Former Real Madrid president Sanz dead after contracting virus
MADRID: Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, who was hospitalised with coronavirus, died on Saturday at the age of 76, his son announced. Sanz was in charge of the Spanish giants from 1995-2000, overseeing two Champions League titles.
“My father has just passed away. He did not deserve this ending and in this way,” tweeted his son, Lorenzo Sanz junior. “One of the best, bravest and hardest-working people I have ever seen. His family and Real Madrid were his passions.”
Three days ago, Sanz Jr., a former professional basketball player, said that his father had been admitted to a Madrid hospital after suffering the symptoms of the coronavirus which has killed more than 1,320 people in Spain. Sanz claimed a place on the Real Madrid board
in the mid-1980s, when the president was Ramon Mendoza. He replaced Mendoza as president in 1995. With Jupp Heynckes as coach and star players such as Davor Suker, Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf, Fernando Hierro and Raul, Real won the Champions League in 1998 by beating Juventus in the final.
It was their seventh European Cup but first in 32 years. Two years later, in Paris, Real claimed an eighth by beating Valencia in the final. However, that same year, Sanz was ousted as president by Florentino Perez, who opened a new era at the club, adding five more Champions Leagues in two decades.
Current club captain and Spanish international Sergio Ramos, who with teammates is in quarantine after one of the club’s basketball players tested positive for the virus, hailed Sanz. “Very sad day for Real Madrid. Lorenzo Sanz connected yesterday and today with two numbers for history — 7 and 8,” tweeted Ramos in reference to the key Champions League titles.
“His death saddens us even more in these difficult days in which we find ourselves. My deep condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, Mexican football league president Enrique Bonilla has tested positive for the coronavirus that
has forced the competition to shut down, he announced. In a statement posted on the Mexican league (Liga MX) web site on Friday night, Bonilla said he had been tested for COVID-19 and was positive.
“I do not have any serious symptoms and will remain quarantined in line with the instructions of the Ministry of.” The Mexican League suspended play indefinitely after last Sunday’s matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matches had been staged through March 13 as normal, then were played in empty stadiums. “Of course, I will keep up to date with the situation our country is experiencing and the alternatives and possible solutions to solve the situation that the Liga MX family is going through,” Bonilla said.
“I assure you I’ll act with all responsibility in the face of what we are experiencing and I’m sure that, as a team, the country will be able to succeed.” Cruz Azul top the table after 10 matches in the 18-team league with 22 points, just ahead of Leon.
Mexican football league president Enrique Bonilla has tested positive for the coronavirus that has forced the competition to shut down, he announced. In a statement posted on the Mexican league (Liga MX) web site on Friday night, Bonilla said he had been tested for
COVID-19 and was positive. “I do not have any serious symptoms and will remain quarantined in line with the instructions of the Ministry of.” The Mexican League suspended play indefinitely after last Sunday’s matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matches had been staged through March 13 as normal, then were played in empty stadiums. “Of course, I will keep up to date with the situation our country is experiencing and the alternatives and possible solutions to solve the situation that the Liga MX family is going through,” Bonilla said.
“I assure you I’ll act with all responsibility in the face of what we are experiencing and I’m sure that, as a team, the country will be able to succeed.” Cruz Azul top the table after 10 matches in the 18-team league with 22 points, just ahead of Leon. — AFP