Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton has finally put to rest one of football’s most infamous grievances. Four decades after Diego Maradona’s legendary “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the 76-year-old Shilton has announced his reconciliation.
He revealed that meeting members of that Argentine squad and experiencing the warm reception from Argentine fans helped him let go of the long-held resentment.
“Forty years have passed. I’ve met Argentinians who were very warm and friendly towards me. Recently, I spoke with players from the Argentina national team during the filming of a documentary — it was very emotional. I think it’s time to end my grudge,” Shilton told The Sun.
The symbolic reconciliation took place on the pitch of Chelmsford Football Club, Shilton’s hometown club. However, he still injected a touch of sharp irony into the occasion, pointing out that with today’s VAR system, both of Maradona’s goals in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final — including the famous solo run from midfield — would have been disallowed.
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