Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has paid a moving tribute to Alfredo di Stefano after the former Los Blancos striker died aged 88.
Di Stefano, who scored in five consecutive European Cup finals, suffered cardiac arrest on Saturday afternoon and had been in a coma in Gregorio Maranon hospital in Madrid.
On Monday evening, Perez held a press conference in which he described the former forward ‘the best player of all time.’
“Today is a day of absolute sadness for Real Madrid and dare I say it the entire football world,” Perez told journalists at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He continued: “Di Stefano was the most important player in the history of Real Madrid and the best footballer of all time. Alfredo Di Stefano is Real Madrid. He was decisive, determinant and changed the destiny of this institution.
“He was able to extend the passion for Real Madrid to all corners of the world. We have the obligation to tell people that didn’t see it about a footballer who was capable of everything. It’s thanks to Di Stefano that Fifa named Real Madrid the best team of the 20th century. Alfredo Di Stefano, president of honour, Real Madrid will never forget you.”
At the end of the conference, the usually calm and reserved president broke down in tears as a video was played of di Stefano’s best moments as a Real Madrid player.
His funeral will take place on Tuesday and fans can pay tribute to the legend from 10.30am at the Santiago Bernabeu.
