Real Madrid Mourn The Death Of Luis Molowny

Real Madrid figures of the past and present have joined to pay tribute to the legendary Luis Molowny, who passed away on Friday night. Molowny spent 11 season with los Blancos from the mid-1940s, winning the European Cup along with two league titles. He later took over as coach on no less than four occasions, leading them to three more league titles and two UEFA Cup victories. The club announced his death earlier on Saturday, and president Florentino Perez has led the tributes to Molowny, who died aged 84. "He was a person who had that special knack of transmitting excitement and hope in the most difficult moments, and was a symbol of the values of Real Madrid," Perez told Marca. "I was able to speak with his wife this morning to convey my condolences and she told me that throughout his life, Real Madrid had always come first. An important part of the living history of our club has left us, but what's certain is that he will always be remembered as an example for every madridista." Getafe coach Michel, who played over 400 games for Real Madrid, admitted that he had been devastated when he heard the news of the death of a "charming man". "I was told when I was on my way to training. For me, it's terrible, terrible news, because he was always a charming man. It's difficult to find someone in football with his kindness and ability." Former Blancos coach Juande Ramos also sent his condolences to Molowny's family, paying tribute to the effects that he had had on Spanish football as a whole. "My most sincere condolences to Real Madrid and the family of the great Molowny for the death of one of the people that have most contributed to the history of Spanish football."