Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano passes away at 88

Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, has passed away at the age of 88.

Di Stefano suffered a heart attack on Saturday and had reportedly been in an induced coma in Madrid's Gregorio Maranon hospital.

According to the BBC, Real confirmed the new saying that Di Stefano, who was the club's honorary president, has passed away.

The forward won five straight European Cups, scoring in each final between 1956 and 1960.

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that Di Stefano was without question in that group of 'great, great players'.

Ferguson added that he had the pleasure as a young man of being influenced by the great Real Madrid and Di Stefano.

The former United coach also said that the forward's head was up all the time, adding it is a terrible loss for Real because Di Stefano's presence was always there.

Sir Bobby Charlton, who played against him for Manchester United, said that Di Stefano was one of the best players he ever saw, adding that the footballing world has lost a great player and a great man.

UEFA president Michel Platini said that Di Stefano had helped revolutionise football, adding that the forward won everyone's hearts with his brilliance as part of the legendary Real Madrid team.

Meanwhile, Brazilian legend Pele added that Di Stefano was a trailblazer, and most of all, he was a legend of the game.

Real president Florentino Perez said that he and the club's board would like to express deepest condolences and all their love and affection to Di Stefano's children, their families and friends.

In a statement the club also said that Di Stefano was the greatest player of all time.