ANTONIO PUERTA DIES

“This is one of the saddest days in the history of FC Sevilla,” team president Jose Maria del Nido said, fighting to hold back tears.

Just three days after he collapsed during a match, Antonio Puerta has died. At approximately 4.30 p.m. (14.30 GMT) club Sevilla announced the death of Puerta, who had been in critical condition since Saturday.

Meanwhile, the team had arrived in Athens ahead of a Champions League match, which has now been postponed until Monday. Also, the club’s second match of the season against Osasuna has also been postponed.

“The Professional Football League wishes to pass on its most sincere condolences to the family of Antonio Puerta,” the league said in a statement. “It has also declared the next day of league play to be one of official mourning and asked all its affiliated teams to observe a minute’s silence before the games.” A wake open to the public will be held for Puerta starting at midnight Tuesday ahead of his burial on Wednesday afternoon, and his family has asked that his body be wrapped in a team flag, Sevilla said on its Web site.

The banner reads: Your goal changed our life-together we will fight for yours’… Antonio Puerta was born in the Sevilla district of Nervión, very close to the Sevilla stadium, Sánchez Pizuan. He’s loved by the fans and became famous for scoring the goal that saw them classify for the UEFA cup final for the very first time last year. Antonio leaves behind his wife, who is 8 month pregnant. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and all the fans.

Sorry kids, but I’m too heartbroken to blog about anything today.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda
delinda@athlebrities.