Napoli coach Rino Gattuso paid tribute to Diego Maradona after victory over Europa League opponents Rijeka.

Napoli fans are in mourning after the passing of Maradona this week.

“I have many wonderful memories of Diego, we had dinner together a few times. He died, but will never die, because he was an extraordinary person. He made some mistakes in life, but so does everyone," Gattuso told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even yesterday driving through the city, you could tell the atmosphere was completely different. Diego came from another planet and he will live forever, like all legends, and I hope he'll say hello to my sister up there. My only regret is I never got to tackle him on the pitch...

“This is our work, it is our duty to continue and look forward. We'll play every three days. We hope to dedicate a trophy to him as soon as possible.

“Diego wasn't the man who won the Scudetto, he was the best player in the world who wore the Napoli jersey, represented this city and made a whole generation dream when the trophies all went to the northern clubs.

“I don't know if San Gennaro or Diego Armando Maradona is more important for this city, with all due respect to the Saint.

“It is a remarkable city, it feels like living in Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. There's the smell of food and the sound of life 24 hours a day, there's such passion and warmth. I've been living in the north for many years, but I remain a Terrone (southerner) inside."