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Real Madrid legend and Argentina-born footballer Alfredo Di Stéfano passed away today after suffering a serious heart-attack in Madrid over the weekend.
The 88 year-old is widely considered to be one of the best players ever to don the Real Madrid kit, and was a part of Los Blancos five straight European titles from 1956 to 1960. In his time at Real Madrid, he scored 216 goals in 282 appearances and had two stints as manager with the club in 1982 and 1990. He was also named the club's honorary president in 2000 and oversaw signings such as Brazilian striker Ronaldo.
The footballing community took to Twitter and other news sources to pay tribute to Di Stéfano. Managers, players and clubs all had something to say following the loss of El Maestro.
Don Alfredo leaves us, but his memory will last forever in our hearts. Legends never die. Thanks for everything Maestro. #EternoAlfredo
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 7, 2014
Descanse en paz Alfredo Di Stéfano, un genio del fútbol
— Luis Suarez (@luis16suarez) July 7, 2014
A sad day for the world of football. One of the greatest has passed away. RIP Don Alfredo di Stéfano
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) July 7, 2014
R.I.P. Alfredo Di Stéfano
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) July 7, 2014
FC Barcelona expresses its condolences for the death of Alfredo Di Stéfano, honorary president of Real Madrid. Rest in peace
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 7, 2014
Hasta siempre, Maestro Alfredo Di Stéfano. Lo despide con honores y gratitud la @Argentina y el fútbol mundial. pic.twitter.com/qSNW7HxMhl
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 7, 2014
Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson also paid his respects to Di Stéfano in an interview with Sky Sports News. He described Di Stéfano as one of the greatest players of all time. “The great question that always comes up is who are the greatest players. There is a list of great ones like Cruyff, Maradona and Pelé and of course Puskas and Di Stéfano – I thought he was one of the greatest in my mind.”
“He had a fantastic balance and poise. If you look at one of the goals he scored in the final against Eintracht Frankfurt, it was completely what we are saying about the balance and poise, unbelievable he was.”
