Ex-Real Madrid president in intensive care battling coronavirus
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz is in intensive care in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 76-year-old, who signed players including Brazilian Roberto Carlos and hired Fabio Capello as manager during his five-year tenure, is said to be “serious” at the Jimenez Diaz Foundation in Madrid.
His son Fernando, a former Real Madrid player, told Spanish media he had tried to treat himself at home so he didn’t put the hospital system under strain before his condition worsened, adding: “We are quite worried.
“My dad had a fever for eight days and was taking paracetamol.
“He got worse because he couldn’t breathe properly. He was admitted to hospital with a lack of oxygen in his blood. They’ve told my mum he was bad.”
His other son Lorenzo added in a social media post on Tuesday night: “Overwhelmed by the displays of affection you’re all sending.
“I’m sure my dad is going to get through this. Thank you to everyone.”
Diabetic dad-of-five Mr Sanz, who was replaced by current president Florentino Perez in 2005, hired former England boss Capello as manager in his first full season in charge.
His big signings included Roberto Carlos, Predrag Mijatovic, Clarence Seedorf and Davor Suker.
Real Madrid won the Champions League twice under his reign.
One of his two daughters is married to former Real Madrid and Blackburn Rovers player Michel Salgado.
More than 500 people with coronavirus have died in the ongoing crisis in Spain.
Ex-Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz in intensive care battling #coronavirushttps://t.co/9f1XUXtGun pic.twitter.com/Ptz7hTk3bm
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) March 18, 2020
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The number of confirmed cases stood at 11,650 on Wednesday morning.
Malaga-based youth team football coach Francisco Garcia, 20, died on Sunday after being diagnosed with leukaemia, coronavirus and pneumonia.
He was admitted to hospital four days earlier after the onset of what his family and their GP thought at first was a common cold.