BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tributes flowed for Argentina World Cup winner Jose Luis "Tata" Brown on Tuesday after his death at the age of 62.
Brown, who scored Argentina's first goal in their 1986 World Cup final defeat of West Germany, passed away in La Plata, near Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
"The Argentine Football Association expresses its utmost regret for the death of ... an eternal hero of the 1986 World Cup," the country's football governing body said on Tuesday.
"Tata Brown was a true emblem of Argentina's national team. An unshakable symbol of courage and bravery who wore the blue and white shirt with honor."
Capped 36 times for Argentina's national team, Brown had spells at Estudiantes, Atletico Nacional, Boca Juniors, Brest, Real Murcia and Racing Club during a 15-year professional career.
Apart from his header against West Germany - the only goal of his international career - Brown is remembered for refusing to leave the pitch in the final after dislocating a shoulder.
Football legend Diego Maradona was among several former national teammates to pay tribute to the former center-back.
"I still can't believe it, because you were always a bull," Maradona said in an Instagram post. "We're going to miss you so much, Tata. You don't know how sorry I am, brother. Those of us who enjoy your friendship, we will never forget you. You scored in the final of a World Cup, played with a broken shoulder, and understood the weight of the World Cup. Rest in peace."
Former Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta said: Thank you Jose Luis Brown for your fighting spirit on and off the pitch. My condolences to relatives and close ones."
