Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, 76, dies of coronavirus

Associated Press | Associated Press

Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died Saturday from the novel coronavirus, his family said. He was 76.

Sanz had been in intensive care since the beginning of the week while being treated for the virus.

Sanz presided over Real Madrid from 1995 until 2000, leading the club to two European titles, a Spanish league title and a Spanish Super Cup title.

Under Sanz, Madrid ended a 32-year drought in Europe by winning its seventh European trophy in 1998.

More than 24,000 people have been infected with the virus in Spain, with nearly 1,400 deaths.

"Today, all of Madrid is in mourning following the passing of the president who dedicated a huge part of his life to his great passion: Real Madrid," the team said on its website. "Given the current circumstances, Real Madrid will give him the recognition he deserves as soon as possible."

The team said Sanz was survived by his wife, Mari Luz, and five children.