Di Stefano in serious condition, needs bypass
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-26 09:11

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, he won the European Footballer of the Year award in 1957 and 1959.

As well as his European triumphs with Real, Di Stefano also won eight Spanish league titles, the World Club Championship and the King's Cup before joining Barcelona-based Espanyol after falling out with president Santiago Bernabeu in 1964.

Born of Italian parents in Buenos Aires, Di Stefano played for Argentina, Colombia and Spain during his 22-year career and retired at the age of 40 in 1967, playing his final match against Celtic in Madrid.

He then went into coaching, leading Boca Juniors and River Plate to Argentine championships and steering Valencia to the Spanish league title in 1971 and victory over Arsenal in the old European Cup Winners' Cup in 1980.

Di Stefano returned to take over as Real coach between 1982 and 1984, the side finishing runners-up in the title race in consecutive seasons.

He was made honorary president in 2000 when Florentino Perez came to power and has been a regular presence at official club events and player presentations.