Di Stéfano to have heart surgery

Real Madrid CF great Alfredo Di Stéfano was to undergo bypass surgery on Wednesday afternoon to deal with the serious consequences of the heart attack he suffered in the early hours of Saturday morning.

'Circulation problem'
Medical staff at La Fe hospital in Valencia had said the 79-year-old Argentinian would only be able to undergo the surgery when his condition improved. Di Stéfano, a diabetic and smoker, was admitted to hospital in Sagunto after suffering pains in his chest in the early hours of Saturday, and was then moved to a larger unit in Valencia.

Personal highlight
Born in Argentina, Di Stéfano also played in Colombia before joining Madrid in 1953 after impressing in an exhibition match. The next season the club won only their third Spanish league title, and in 1955/56 they began their run of victories in the first five European Cups, Di Stéfano's personal highlight coming in 1960 with his hat-trick in the 7-3 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impressive career
His record of 49 goals in the competition was only overtaken this year by Raúl González. He later played for RCD Espanyol, and as a coach Di Stéfano won league titles with CA Boca Juniors, CA River Plate and Valencia CF, who he also helped to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. He later coached Madrid and is now honorary club president.