INTERNATIONAL: Francisco "Paco" Gento, one of Real Madrid's greatest players and a European champion with Spain, has died at the age of 88, the club has announced on Tuesday , 18 January.

Having started his career at Racing Santander, Paco Gento has joined Real Madrid in 1953 and spent 18 years in the Spanish capital until his retirement in 1971. The left winger has made 600 appearances for the club and has scored 182 goals.

Paco Gento remains the only player to have won six European Cups and he also won 12 league crowns, two Copa del Rey titles and one Intercontinental Cup during his time at Real.

The club has issued a statement saying ; "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.”

Paco Gento won 43 caps for Spain and has represented his country in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.