"He was an idol with an incredible talent," she told the Herald on Sunday. "But the other thing with Diego was that he played from the heart and was able to transmit that. It is an honour they talk about him and I."
On the field the comparison could not be more precise. Both have carried their country to success on the world stage (Argentina won hockey World Cups in 2002 and 2010, four Champion's Trophies 2001, 2008-10 and three Olympic medals 2000-08) and inspired a whole generation.
"When I started [in 1995] nobody knew about hockey," says Aymar, who has represented her country over 300 times. "Then we started to win tournaments and everybody started following it. That is what I am most proud of."
Aymar, who is nicknamed 'the magician' brings skills to the sport that have never been seen before and probably never will again. Her ability to maneouvre beyond one, two and even three defenders at pace is simply astonishing. She can twist and spin out of the tightest situation and do full 360-degree turns with the ball glued to her stick, as well as dribbling faster than most players can run.
"It is incredible," says Black Sticks midfielder Stacey Michelsen. "Sometimes you know what she is going to do but you still can't stop her; you just have to limit the damage."
Watching her could convert anyone to hockey and everytime she gets the ball a buzz goes through the grandstand; a little like the David Campese effect but without the glaring errors.
There is sheer grit and determination, as well as some unconventional methods, behind the germination of the genius. Like Daniel Carter's parent's building full-sized goalposts in their backyard; like Richard Hadlee bowling at one stump until nightfall; like Don Bradman honing his coordination by hitting a golf ball against a wall with a single wicket.
"It's simple," laughs Aymar, "when I was young I spent a lot of time - I mean a lot - by myself with the stick." Her trainer would make the youngster practise with golf, tennis and snooker balls as well as attaching different weights to the bottom of her sticks, also making her use sticks that were too big or too small. It has given her the ability to do anything she wants on the turf, and in a country that worships flair over function, she is revered.
She claims to still have a normal life and says she has learnt to enjoy the constant pressure. But it can take its toll; she took four months off hockey at the end of last year to recharge, under instructions from the hockey hierarchy.
This week, expectation has multiplied. This tournament doubles as a farewell to her hometown, as she will retire after the Olympics. It has sometimes shown in her play; at times she has seemed desperate to impress, to give the fans one more brilliant memory.
After hockey she will remain a familiar face; according to Argentinian media she wants to become a television presenter and actress and has always had a glamorous side, turning down an offer from Playboy three years ago.
Aymar, who is generally recognised as the greatest Argentinian sportswoman of all time (just ahead of Gabriela Sabatini), is also generous in her praise of the New Zealand side.
"They have improved so much," says Aymar. "Now they are so dangerous. They are fast, aggressive and very attacking; it is always a battle to play them."
