Real Madrid Legend Francisco 'Paco' Gento passes away
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The greatest Spanish footballer and 30th greatest world footballer of the 20th century has died at the age of 88.
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Gento is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish players of all times.
Gento is the only player to have won six European Cups in his career, which spanned 18 years with Real Madrid from 1953 to 1971.
He made 600 appearances for the club, scoring 182 goals and assisting on 12 league titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and one Intercontinental Cup.
He was a member of the Spanish national team for 43 years and competed in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.
“Real Madrid is everything, Real Madrid is my life”
— Real Madrid Info ³⁴ (@RMadridInfo) January 18, 2022
“My home, My family and My life without would be nothing”
— Paco Gento —
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Real captain Marcelo equaled his club record of 23 titles, which he had held for over 50 years when he came on as a substitute in the team's Spanish Super Cup-winning victory on Sunday.
Marcelo, representing the Real Madrid squad, with the last farewell to Paco Gento.
— Real Madrid Info ³⁴ (@RMadridInfo) January 18, 2022
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Gento began his career at Racing Santander before relocating to Madrid.
"Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and its love and affection to his wife Mari Luz, his sons Francisco and Julio, his granddaughters Aitana and Candela, and all his relatives, colleagues, and loved ones," Real said in a statement.
Paco Gento's family: "Paco died with his Real Madrid shirt. He always slept with it." pic.twitter.com/jl0wqwFiZq
— Real Madrid Info ³⁴ (@RMadridInfo) January 18, 2022
"He will always be remembered by Madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest."
