Maradona’s “Hand of God” football shirt has been sold for more than £7 million.

A group of Argentinian bidders was hoping to buy the shirt but were thwarted by heavy international bidding.

The team wanted to ensure the shirt from the 1986 World Cup game against England is returned to their homeland.

For the last 35 years the shirt has been in the hands of England player Steve Hodge.

The mid-field player swapped shirts with Maradona in the tunnel after the epic game.

Maradona not only “scored” an outrageous goal with his hand but went on to hit the “goal of the century” later in the game.

One member of the South American delegation said:

“It should be in Argentina in order all Argentines can enjoy it, and not for a millionaire to display it in his closet.”

Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables, said

“The two goals balance each other brilliant.

“The first ‘was really cunning and did involve an element of luck.

“But then he scored a second goal, which was one of the most unbelievable – almost angelic – goals ever.”

Argentina won the match 2-1 and went on to win the World Cup.

For the past 20 years the shirt has been on loan to England’s National Football Museum in Manchester.

Hodge may now face a legal battle over the shirt.

Maradona’s family claim he only has the shirt worn by Maradona during the first half of the game.

It is not the shirt he wore when scoring the “Hand of God” goal in the 51st minute of the second half at the Estadio Azteca.

Sotheby’s have verified “beyond doubt” that it is the authentic shirt.