Maradona died on Wednesday after a heart attack, leaving Leeds United manager Bielsa, like all Argentines, struggling to process the loss of a national hero.

"He was for us, and will continue to be, an idol," Bielsa, who managed the Argentina national side from 1998 to 2004, said.

"Given the fact he is not with us any more brings great sadness. We have lost an idol and it makes us feel weak.

"What really stood out was his relationship with the public. Everything he did as a footballer was of a beauty which cannot be matched.

"Maradona was an artist. Players with such individual brilliance - they don't know what it is to play with pressure."

The president of his old club Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, said consideration was being given to renaming their stadium in Maradona's honour.

Flags flew at half-mast outside the ground of another of his former clubs, Barcelona, while Boca Juniors switched off all the lights at their 'La Bombonera' stadium, except those in Maradona's private box.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who played with Maradona for Sevilla and the national team, said the World Cup winner had helped shape football in his country.

"A mythical figure leaves us, an Argentine who transmitted all of his rebellious streak to fight for positive and negative things, while always looking forwards. He transmitted so much to so many boys, and our footballing identity comes from watching him.

"At Sevilla he took me under his wing fantastically, and showed me what it meant to play for Argentina. I feel that he'll always be with us."

Jorge Valdano, who lined up alongside Maradona as Argentina won the 1986 World Cup and has since become one of football's most eloquent observers, broke down in tears on Spanish television when talking about his friend and former teammate.

"It hurts a lot, both for the player and man he was. The memories I have, when I think of him, bring a smile to my face," an emotional Valdano said.

Writing in Thursday's edition of national newspaper El Pais, Valdano reflected on Maradona's gifts and flaws.

"There is something perverse in a life that sees all of your dreams come true, and Diego suffered the generosity of his destiny like no one else," he wrote.

"He was never happier than when he was on the pitch. It was there that he would have a date with the love of his life, the ball.

"But he also had a spectacular command of the stage, as if he didn't feel part of a team but was on his own. Like a rock star driving the crowd wild rather than a football player.

"This week, even the ball - the most communal toy that exists - will feel more alone and will cry heartbroken for its master.

"All of those who love authentic football will cry with it for Maradona. And those of us who knew him personally will cry even more for that Diego who, in recent times, had almost disappeared under the weight of his legend and his excessive life. Adios, great captain."

Australian Associated Press