Real Madrid legend Paco Gento passes away aged 88

Real Madrid confirmed the sad new that club legend Paco Gento passed away this morning in the Spanish capital, at 88 years of age. Gento, who spent 18 seasons as a player at Madrid, was named honorary president in 2016. He remains the most decorated player in Real Madrid's history, having won 23 trophies during his career - a feat he now shares with Marcelo, who collected his 23rd winners' medal in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final. Gento is the only player in history to have won six European Cups - he was part of the Madrid side that lifted the trophy in 1955/6, 1956/7, 1957/8, 1958/9, 1959/60 and 1965/6.

A club statement read: "Real Madrid C. F., the club's president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.

Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and send its love and sympathy to his wife Mari Luz, to his sons Francisco and Julio, to his granddaughters Aitana and Candela and to all his relatives, teammates and loved ones".

Born in Guarnizo, Cantabria, Gento started out with Racing and joined Real Madrid in 1953. Regarded as one of the greatest left wingers in football history, he made 600 appearances for Madrid and scored 182 goals before retiring from the game in 1971. During his time at the Bernabéu he won 12 Ligas, two Spanish Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, one Small World Cup and Two Latin Cups on top of the six European Cup. He was also an international with Spain, capped 43 times between 1955 and 1969 and scoring five goals.