Real Madrid legend Francisco “Paco” Gento has died at the age of 88, the Spanish side confirmed on Tuesday.
In honour of the legend, who had been serving as the Honourary President of the Spanish giants, Real Madrid put out a statement, saying, “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.”
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The club also extended its support to Gento’s family, saying, “Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and its love and affection to his wife Mari Luz, his sons Francisco and Julio, his granddaughters Aitana and Candela and all his relatives, colleagues and loved ones.”
“The figure of Paco Gento faithfully represents all the values of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a benchmark for Real Madrid and for the world of sport. Madrid fans and all football fans will always remember him as one of their great legends,” the club continued, concluding its statement by expressing condolences to all club members and fans.
The 88-year-old’s contributions to the beautiful game was even acknowledged by arch-rivals Barcelona and the Catalan side put out a tweet to offer its “condolences” on the death of the “legendary Real Madrid player.”
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For those unaware, Gento played for the Spanish giants between 1953 and 1971, playing 600 games and scoring 182 goals. The Spanish legend also represented his national side on 43 occasions. Gento’s 18 seasons with Real Madrid saw him soar to great heights, and he is the only player in football history to have won six European Cups. Gento was also instrumental in helping Real Madrid secure 12 league titles, two Spanish Cups, and one International Cup, among other honours.
