Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro is Real Madrid’s new honorary president following the death of Francisco Gento.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said: “On 18 January this year, we bid farewell to one of the great legends of Real Madrid. Our honorary president, Francisco Gento, the winner of six European Cups, who had replaced the greatest footballer of all time, Alfredo Di Stéfano, left us.
“In view of all that he has achieved in the Real Madrid shirt, for what he represents in the history of our club and for the transmission of our values throughout his professional career, I propose Amancio Amaro as the new honorary president of Real Madrid.
“Amancio has been one of the best players in our history. He was a teammate of Gento in the team that won the club’s sixth European Cup in 1966 and the scorer of the first of our team’s two goals.
“He defended our colours for 14 seasons, from ’62 to ’76. Here he won a total of 13 trophies: 1 European Cup, 9 Leagues and 3 Spanish Cups. He made 471 appearances for Real Madrid and scored 155 goals. As a player he also starred in one of the greatest feats of our football with the Spanish national team, when he won the 1964 European Championship.
“As coach of Real Madrid Castilla he was the winner of the Segunda championship in the 83-84 season. And the following season he coached Real Madrid. He is regarded as the man who discovered the Quinta del Buitre. My dear Amancio, I am sure that Gento would be proud that you are the one to succeed him as honorary president of Real Madrid. You have earned the affection of all of us who love this club and the respect and admiration of all football fans throughout the world.”
Amancio said: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment. I am very touched. I can only thank everyone. My colleagues and friends, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Paco Gento, were my predecessors, and it is an honour to have this position.
“The team always comes before any name and that is the grandeur of the club. This is the dream ending to my career. I hope I am worthy of the position. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
