The personal physician of Diego Maradona has told a court he is innocent of any wrongdoing as a high-profile trial into the football icon’s death continues in Argentina.
Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, who treated Maradona in his final days, became emotional as he addressed the court.
“I want to say that I am innocent and that I deeply regret his death,” Luque said.
“I adored him — he was my idol and my friend.”
Luque, 44, is one of seven medical professionals facing charges of alleged gross negligence in relation to Maradona’s death in November 2020 at the age of 60.
The Argentine legend died from heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema — a condition involving fluid build-up in the lungs — just two weeks after undergoing surgery for a brain clot.
Others on trial include a psychiatrist, psychologist, medical coordinator, nursing coordinator, doctor and night nurse. If convicted of homicide with possible intent, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The current proceedings follow the collapse of a previous trial last year, which was annulled after it emerged that one of the judges had been involved in a clandestine documentary about the case.
The retrial is now underway in San Isidro, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, under a new three-judge panel.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari has strongly criticised Maradona’s medical team, accusing them of serious failings and describing their care as inadequate.
A central issue in the trial is whether the decision to allow Maradona to recover at home, rather than in a medical facility, contributed to his death.
Prosecutors presented WhatsApp audio messages between Luque and Maradona’s private secretary, Maximiliano Pomargo, suggesting attempts to influence the player’s family regarding his care arrangements.
Luque, however, rejected claims that Maradona suffered prolonged distress before his death, disputing forensic findings that suggested he may have been in pain for several hours.
“I am completely sure that didn’t happen,” he told the court.
All defendants have denied wrongdoing, arguing that Maradona — who had a history of cocaine and alcohol addiction — died of natural causes.
Luque insisted he was fully committed to his patient’s care.
“He would call me at any hour and I would go,” he said.
The trial is expected to continue as the court examines whether negligence or poor medical judgement played a role in the death of one of football’s most iconic figures.
