Tributes have poured in after the death of former Spain coach Luis Aragones at the age of 75.
Aragones was a prominent figure within the national game and led Spain to victory at Euro 2008, his team beating Germany in the final before he ended a four-year spell at the helm.
He was also a successful coach at club level most notably with Atletico Madrid, leading them to the Spanish league title in 1977 as well as three Copa del Rey trophies.
A statement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) read: “The Spanish Football Federation wants to express its grief and shock at the death of Luis Aragones, former player and coach of several Spanish and global clubs and the Spain national team at the beginning of their glorious success on the worldwide stage.
“Luis Aragones led the Spanish team to victory in the 2008 European Championships. He died today in Madrid Clinic, where he had been admitted.”
Reports in the Spanish media said Aragones was admitted to the Madrid clinic in the early hours of Saturday morning but died soon after.
Atletico will mark his death with a minute’s silence ahead of the Primera Division clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday.
“One of the greatest Rojiblancas legends has left us,” read a statement on Atletico’s official website.
Aragones made his name as a player with Atletico between 1964 and 1974, making more than 350 appearances, winning three league titles and also representing Spain 11 times.
The midfielder scored in extra time in Atletico’s 1974 European Cup final against Bayern Munich, only for the German side to force a replay which they won 4-0.
Aragones later took up the coaching reins with Atletico, the first of four spells at the helm in which he led them to six trophies and promotion from the Segunda Division in 2002.
He also guided Barcelona to Copa del Rey success during his one season in charge of the Catalan club in 1987/88.
Barcelona also held a minute’s silence before last night’s game with Valencia and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu paid tribute.
“I am sorry, on behalf of FC Barcelona, to hear of the death of Luis Aragones, one of the greatest football coaches and one of the most charismatic and beloved in recent memory,” he said. “The club were honoured to have his services, although in a very short period, in the 1987/88 season in which they won the cup.
“We value and respect his commitment to the style of play of our players and the club. Euro 2008, with Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and many others, is a great example.”
