Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz passes away

The former Real president was taken to hospital on Tuesday, with newspaper El Mundo saying he had been suffering from the novel coronavirus.

President of Real Madrid, Lorenzo Sanz, talks to journalists after the UEFA draw for the Champions League quarter finals at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland March 24, 2000 (photo credit: REUTERS)
President of Real Madrid, Lorenzo Sanz, talks to journalists after the UEFA draw for the Champions League quarter finals at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland March 24, 2000
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died aged 76, his son Lorenzo said on Saturday.

The former Real president was taken to hospital on Tuesday, with newspaper El Mundo saying he had been suffering from the novel coronavirus. His son said he had a respiratory disease.

Sanz presided over the club between 1995 and 2000, in which they won two Champions League titles and one La Liga crown among other trophies. Their 1998 Champions League triumph was the first time they had won Europe's top prize, which they have lifted a record 13 times, in 32 years.

"My father has just passed away. He didn't deserve it to end this way. One of the most brave and hard working people who I have known in my life has left us," Lorenzo Sanz Jr. said on Twitter.