Real Madrid legend Santamaria has died at the age of 97.

Jose Santamaria, a four-time winner of the European Champions Cup (modern Champions League) with Real Madrid, has died at the age of 96. This was announced on April 15 by the press service of the Spanish football club.

The official statement did not specify the causes of the defender's death. Real Madrid President Florentino Perez stressed that Santamaria will always be remembered as one of the greatest symbols of the team.

"Together with Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Paco Hento and Raymond Copa, this team began to build the legend of Real Madrid. Santamaria has always embodied the values of our club, and until the very last moment, Real Madrid was the main passion of his life," he said.

Santamaria was born in Uruguay in 1929. He began his career at the local club Nacional, for which he played from 1947 to 1957, becoming a four-time national champion. In 1957, he moved to Real Madrid. The defender played with the Spanish Grandee until 1966 and during that time won the European Champions Cup four times — in 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1966.

In addition to his success in the international arena, Santamaria, along with Madrid, became the Spanish champion six times and won the national cup once. At the national team level, the footballer represented the national teams of Uruguay and Spain.

The news is being updated