The doctor who treated late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has denied responsibility for his death, describing himself as a “scapegoat” as his defence team presented its closing arguments in court.
Leopoldo Luque, a neurosurgeon accused of negligence in Maradona’s death, maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish that the former footballer’s death was foreseeable.
His lawyer, Roberto Rallin, dismissed the prosecution’s case, insisting that the evidence supported Luque’s innocence.
“We are here to proclaim Luque’s innocence, not with television slogans, but with the evidence that supports it,” Rallin said. “Leopoldo Luque has been the scapegoat.”
Another defence lawyer, Francisco Oneto, argued that Maradona died from an acute and unpredictable heart attack.
“There was absolutely no possibility of predicting this fatal outcome,” Oneto insisted.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, died aged 60 in November 2020 after suffering a cardiorespiratory crisis and pulmonary oedema.
He was found dead in bed at a rented recovery residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, weeks after undergoing surgery for a subdural haematoma.
Seven healthcare professionals have been standing trial since April over their alleged roles in Maradona’s care during the two weeks he spent recovering at home before his death.
Prosecutors have accused the medical team of failing to provide adequate care despite warning signs of his deteriorating condition. They are seeking prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the seven defendants.
Luque, whom prosecutors consider a key decision-maker in Maradona’s treatment, faces a possible 12-year sentence. Prosecutors have accused him of inaction, arguing that the medical team’s attitude was “always to do nothing” despite signs that the footballer’s health was worsening.
However, Luque’s defence challenged the findings of a 2021 interdisciplinary medical commission, which concluded that Maradona had a history of heart problems.
His lawyers argued that medical tests conducted before the surgery did not indicate that he had heart disease.
“It’s so clear that Maradona didn’t have any heart problems in 2020,” Oneto said.
Throughout the trial, Luque has strongly defended his relationship with Maradona, presenting recordings, scientific articles and footage of the autopsy as part of his case.
His conduct during the proceedings, including his presentation of the autopsy video, reportedly angered some of Maradona’s daughters.
“It’s easy to attack me because I’m the one who had the most contact with Maradona,” Luque said during the trial.
“The only one who would defend me would be Diego,” he added, referring to Maradona by his familiar name.
Luque also said he had cared deeply for the football legend.
“I cared deeply for him, I loved him, he was my idol and my friend,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nicolas D’Albora, the lawyer representing medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, argued that responsibility for Maradona’s death rested with Luque and another doctor, saying they “were obliged to guarantee the patient’s health.”
Forlini faces a possible 10-year prison sentence over allegations that she failed to ensure the provision of basic medical equipment for Maradona’s home care.
The defence teams are expected to continue their closing arguments on Thursday as the trial moves towards its conclusion.