Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'Starstruck Chelsea stars turned to boys when Maradona arrived' - Joe Cole on meeting one of football's greatest icons

Former England international Joe Cole mourned the loss of Diego Maradona like the rest of the football world and has revealed how the legendary Argentine's visit to Cobham Training Centre turned Chelsea's superstars into boys again.

The 1986 World Cup winner died last week at the age of 60, prompting an outpouring of emotional tributes, many from players who had been inspired by a footballer regarded by many as the greatest of all time.

Cole met Maradona, along with his Chelsea team-mates in 2008, and recalls feeling a sense of awe that the former Napoli star knew who he was.