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Real Madrid Legend, Francisco Gento Is dead

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Spanish professional footballer who played for LaLiga giants Real Madrid, Francisco Gento has been reported dead.

The 20th Century footballer died at the age of 88, Naija News understands.

Confirming his demise in an official statement on Tuesday, Real Madrid said Gento’s exit from the face of the earth is a sad development.

The club consoles the family of the deceased, describing him as one of the greatest legends of the club and of world football.

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The statement read in part, “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.”

Naija News understands that Gento won the European Cup six times during his time at Real Madrid.

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He represented the LaLiga giant between 1953 and 1971, and in his 18 seasons at Real Madrid.

Gento won not only the six European Cups but also 12 Leagues, two Spanish Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, one Mini World Cup and two Latin Cups.

Records have it that Gento played 600 games for Los Blancos, scoring 182 goals. He also represented the Spanish national team 43 times.

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Meanwhile, Belgian professional footballer, Eden Hazard has reportedly rejected an offer to move to Newcastle United, Naija News learnt.

Hazard’s club side, Real Madrid is said to have accepted a £33.4million offer and £8.3m plus in add-ons, for the 30-year-old winger and attacking midfielder.

In another report, it was gathered that Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has accepted an offer of €40 million (£33.4 million), plus €10 million (£8.3 million) in add-ons, from Newcastle.

According to El Nacional however, the Belgian captain has maintained he will only leave Madrid for a top club such as the English Premier League side, Chelsea.

Naija News understands that Hazard participation and performance has dwindled in Spain since he departed Chelsea in 2019 for an initial fee of £88 million.