Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Paco Gento chosen to be Real Madrid's new honorary president

Six-time European Cup winner Paco Gento has been named as Real Madrid's new honorary president at the club's AGM.

Gento, who also won 11 La Liga titles and made 601 Madrid appearances over 18 seasons during the 1950s and 1960s, has been formally chosen to take on the symbolic role at the Santiago Bernabeu left vacant following the death of his former teammate Alfredo Di Stefano two years ago.

The news was confirmed by Blancos president Florentino Perez at Madrid's AGM on Sunday, where 83-year-old Gento was given a loud ovation by club socios, who unanimously approved the choice.

"I speak to you of a great man and a great player who joined Real Madrid in 1953 from Racing Santander," Perez said. "He was then 19 years old and was here with us as a player for 18 seasons.

"Dear Paco Gento, beyond this record, you represent the values of Real Madrid, you are part of this badge and will remain forever in the hearts of all Madridistas around the world. I know our great Alfredo Di Stefano would be proud that you are his replacement as head of the presidency."

Gento remains the only player in history to have won six European Cups. Besides his 12 La Liga titles, the former Racing Santander youth-team player also won two Copa del Reys, one Intercontinental Cup, two Copa Latinas and scored 182 goals in a Madrid shirt.

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