Ex-Real chief killed by virus

Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76.

Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.

A statement on Real Madrid’s official website read: “Real Madrid, its president and the board of directors regret with great consternation the death of Lorenzo Sanz, who was president of Real Madrid from 1995 to 2000.

“They also want to express their deepest condolences and all their affection for his wife Mari Luz, her children, Lorenzo, Francisco, Fernando, Maria Luz (Malula) and Diana, and their family and friends. Condolences that also extend to all Real Madrid.”

Sanz’s son Lorenzo Jr confirmed his father’s death on Twitter.

He wrote: “My father just passed away. He did not deserve this ending and this way. One of the kindest, bravest, and (most) hardworking people I have ever seen is leaving. His family and Real Madrid were his passion. My mother and my brothers have enjoyed all their moments with pride.”

Real won six trophies during Sanz’s time as president, including the Champions League in 1998 and 2000.

Sanz’s legacy will be delivering the club’s seventh Champions League title in 1998, La Septima, which came 32 years after they had last been crowned European champions.

Following Real’s second Champions League win under Sanz in 2000, he lost the presidency to Florentino Perez and was unsuccessful when he put himself forward for the vacancy in 2006 when Ramon Calderon was elected the club president.