Real Madrid legend, Francisco Gento dies

DBasia.news – A sad news for Real Madrid, who just won the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos legend, Francisco ‘Paco’ Gento Lopez has died at the age of 88, Tuesday (18/1) local time.

This news was conveyed by Madrid through the club’s official website. However, the exact cause of death is unknown.

“Real Madrid, the club president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and world football,” read Madrid’s statement.

“Real Madrid wishes to extend their condolences and sends their love and sympathy to his wife Mari Luz, to his sons Francisco and Julio, to his grandchildren Aitana and Candela and to all his relatives, team mates and loved ones.”

Gento is a former Madrid star of the 50s era. He was brought from Racing Santander in 1953 when he was only 19 years old.

Gento plays as a left winger. He is known as an agile player and is difficult to stop.

At almost the same time, Madrid also signed Alfredo Di Stefano. The combination of the two plus Ferenc Puskas brought the Spanish giants to the European Cup (Champions League) for 5 consecutive seasons from 1956 to 1960.

After Di Stefano left Madrid in 1964, Gento was still able to present one European Cup trophy with the status of captain. He also became the only player who was able to win 6 trophies in Europe’s elite club competition.

Overall, Gento made 600 appearances for Madrid and scored 182 goals. His trophy collection reached 23 pieces and was just matched by Marcelo, last weekend.

Gento also had time to become a mainstay of the Spanish national team. He has 43 caps and took part in two World Cup finals (1962 and 1966).

Gento continued to defend Madrid until he retired in 1971. After that, he had a chance to pursue a career as a coach even though it wasn’t successful.

In October 2016, Gento was appointed honorary president of Madrid. Uniquely, he replaced the role of Di Stefano who died two years earlier.

“Paco Gento faithfully represents all the values ​​of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a benchmark for Real Madrid and the world of sport,” Madrid said in a statement.