Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano has died in hospital at the age of 88.

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Di Stefano had been in a coma at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon in Madrid after he suffered a heart attack during a meal to celebrate his 88th birthday at the weekend.

The former Argentina and Spain international was one of the greatest players of the 20th century, and an outstanding personality in the history of one of the world's biggest clubs.

Real Madrid have praised Alfredo Di Stefano as 'the best player of all time.' Getty Images

News of Di Stefano's passing was confirmed via a statement released by Madrid on Monday afternoon.

"Real Madrid CF announces that its honorary president, Alfredo Di Stefano, has died today at 5.15 p.m. at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon in Madrid," the statement read.

"The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, and the club's board wish to express their most profound condolences and all their affection to his children, his family and his friends. Real Madrid extends its condolences to madridistas all over the world and to those who feel the loss of the best player of all time."