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Maradona 'Hand of God' shirt could be worth €1.6m

Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt on display at the UK's National Football Museum in Manchester
Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt on display at the UK's National Football Museum in Manchester

The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his infamous 'Hand Of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup could be worth €1.6 million, according to a sports memorabilia expert.

The shirt is owned by former England player Steve Hodge, who got it from Maradona after the quarter final match in which his attempted back pass led to the controversial goal that helped dump England out of the tournament.

Argentina went on to win the World Cup in Mexico, defeating West Germany in the final.

"I was walking down the tunnel and Maradona was coming in the opposite direction. I just tugged my shirt and we swapped there and then," recalled Mr Hodge, who was delayed leaving the pitch due to a TV interview.

The shirt is currently on display at Britain's National Football Museum in Manchester.

"It's very difficult to gauge (the value) with the 'Hand Of God' jersey, but I know the owner was looking for a $2 million [equivalent to €1.6m] private sale," David Amerman of Goldin Auction in New Jersey told Reuters.

"It certainly could be a possibility, the values have jumped quite a bit in soccer."

Diego Maradona died of a heart attack at his home last Wednesday at the age of 60.

Maradona's infamous handball against England in the 1986 Mexico World Cup

One man who won't be putting the shirt Maradona gave him on the open market is Irish soccer legend Liam Brady.

The former Ireland and Arsenal midfielder played against Maradona many times for club and country and the Argentine gave him an unusual number 17 shirt rather than his usual number 10 after a game in 1979.

"If it went to a private collector that really wanted it, if it was going to the right place and it was going to be appreciated, I would consider selling it, but I wouldn't put it on eBay or any of these auction rooms," he told Reuters.

"It has a huge amount of sentimental value."