Real Madrid Legend Alfredo Di Stefano has passed away on Monday following a heart attack two days earlier. He was 88. The messages paying tribute to one of the most prominent players of all time have been pouring out from the football community and from fans all over the world.
Alfredo Di Stefano played for Spanish giants Real Madrid between 1953 and 1964 and during which time the club won five consecutive European League titles, a competition which is now known as the UEFA Champions League. It was only fitting that Di Stefano would live long enough to witness La Decima, Real Madrid's 10th European title which they won last May against city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Di Stefano was also part of a team that won a series of other domestic and international titles that have helped cement Real Madrid as the best club of the 20th Century. He received the prize on behalf of the club from FIFA alongside Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.
Spain's King Felipe VI was among the first high-profile guests to come to Di Stefano's wake which was held as expected at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid's home. Florentino Perez was ever-present throughout the events in the past several days and was seen coming in and out of the Gregorio Maranon hospital where Di Stefano was treated following his heart attack and where he eventually passed.
The President also addressed the press to make the formal announcement regarding the legend's passing. As expected, Real Madrid players were in attendance starting with team co-captains Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
In his personal Twitter account, Iker Casillas posted a photo of himself with Di Stefano sitting on a bench in what appeared to be a stadium.
"DEP Don Alfredo, el más grande. Leyenda del madridismo, siempre con nosotros. Siempre le recordaré MAESTRO" (R.I.P. Don Alfredo, the greatest, A Real Madrid Legend, Always with us. I will always remember you. Master.) he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo also posted his own tribute via his twitter account where he shared a photo of himself with Di Stefano with the caption: "It's a very sad day. For me, for all the madridistas, for the world of football. #EternoAlfredo"
Ronaldo then followed up with another tweet :
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
Former Real Madrid Player and Former Italian national team captain Fabio Cannavarro also posted a tribute on his twitter as did Dutch star Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Another football legend, Pele, shared his message through Real Madrid's Official Website:
"I am very sad to hear about the death of the great Alfredo Di Stefano." said Pele.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter also shared his thoughts:
"He was my favourite player and the most complete player I have ever seen. A legend has left us, may he rest in peace."
Spain's King Felipe pays his respects to former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano, during his wake at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 8, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on Monday. He was 88. REUTERSMessages in honour of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano are seen on a wall during his wake at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 8, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on Monday. He was 88. REUTERSThe coffin of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano stands in front of his picture during his wake at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 8, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on Monday. He was 88. REUTERSReal Madrid's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas (R) greets Real Madrid president Florentino Perez after his arrival for the wake of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 8, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on Monday. He was 88. REUTERSReal Madrid's captain Sergio Ramos (R) and former Real Madrid player Jose Martinez "Pirri" Sanchez (C) listen to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during the wake of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 8, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on Monday. He was 88. REUTERSReal Madrid's President Florentino Perez speaks during a news conference after the death of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano, at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid July 7, 2014. Former Real Madrid forward Di Stefano, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on July 7, 2014. He was 88. The text at rear reads: "Thank you Alfredo Di Stefano". REUTERSReal Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano holds up his special president's award during his tribute at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium in this February 17, 2008 file photo. The former Real Madrid forward, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died in the Spanish capital two days after suffering a heart attack. The club said in a statement that he passed away at the Gregorio Maranon hospital at 1515 GMT on July 7, 2014. He was 88. REUTERS
