MADRID: Alfredo Di Stefano, considered by many as having been the greatest player of all times, is seriously ill in a Madrid hospital after a heart attack.

Di Stefano, 88 yesterday, was admitted to the Gregorio Marañón hospital in Madrid early this evening after being taken ill while walking close to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Di Stefano, born in Buenos Aires, played for both Argentina and then Spain during a revolutionary playing career with River Plate, San Lorenzo, Millonarious of Bogota, Real Madrid and Espanol Barcelona.

His greatest years as a player were with Madrid whom he inspired to victory in the first five successive European Cup finals.

Di Stefano, honorary president of the club, has suffered from heart trouble for some years and was fitted with a pacemaker in 2005.

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