Lorenzo Sanz's passing on Saturday after a fight with the Coronavirus hurt the hearts of all Real Madrid fans and, in particular, that of current president Florentino Perez.
Perez took over from Sanz at the helm of the club in 2000 and paid tribute to his predecessor with an open letter.
"The first thing I'd like to do is extend my condolences to all of his family, particularly his wife Mari Luz, his children, Lorenzo, Francisco, Fernando, Malula and Diana, his grandchildren, and all his friends and loved ones," a statement from the current president started.
"I send them all my love, support and strength at this difficult time and I'd like them to know that Madridismo is by their side.
"The circumstances in which we find ourselves are cruel in that they forbid us from being at our loved ones' sides in their final moments.
"It's painfully difficult and terribly sad.
"I also, of course, remember all those people, all those families who are experiencing this dreadful drama too, and express my solidarity with them.
"We are living through times we couldn't have imagined even in our worst nightmares.
"Today, we remember Lorenzo Sanz, who has fallen victim to this tragedy.
"He was the president who gave us Madridistas the long-awaited European Cup after a 32-year absence.
"We Madridistas will forever remember him as the president who brought hope and joy flooding back on May 20, 1998, in Amsterdam.
"La Septima was ours and was then followed by La Octava two years on, in the year 2000 in Paris, as Real Madrid returned to its rightful position in football's history books.
"Beyond those two European Cups under his tutelage, the club also clinched one Intercontinental Cup, one LaLiga title, a Supercopa de Espana, a basketball league title and Cup Winners' Cup.
"What is clear is that during his five years in charge we reiterated our greatness on the European stage that our fans so adore, and that legacy became something truly unforgettable.
"Under his guidance, Real Madrid continued to add to its history and legendary status."
Perez went on to discuss his own relationship with the man he succeeded in 2000.
"I was lucky enough to enjoy an extremely warm relationship with Lorenzo Sanz and his family over the last few years," Perez wrote.
"He was alongside us to share in all the wonderful titles we've claimed in recent seasons, in particular the last four European Cups.
"He experienced them in the most intense fashion at the stadium, and enjoyed them beside us on the team plane.
"I'll always remember the image of unadulterated joy he displayed with every Real Madrid victory.
"We've lost a fine Madridista who dedicated a large part of his live to what was both his and his family's greatest pleasure - Real Madrid.
"Lorenzo's passion was undoubtedly Real Madrid and those emotions remained present in him throughout the last few years."
Efforts will be made to honour Sanz at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"Here at the club, we'll do all we can to honour his memory and legacy, to pay him the tribute that all of Madridismo craves," Perez went on.
"Lorenzo deserves the greatest recognition.
"There will be a tribute to him in our stadium, where he continued to attend every game in order to stay close to his team.
"For now, as we all know, this is not possible, but we will of course ensure it takes place in order to enshrine his memory in the minds of new generations of Madridismo.
"When the time comes and this difficult spell being endured around the world, particularly in Spain, has passed, we will ensure this tribute is duly paid.
"I know all too well that these days are filled with sadness, but let us not forget in these strange times, that we must continue to display strength, resistance and fortitude through to the end.
"That is exactly what our president Lorenzo Sanz would have wanted."
jesalam14
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well said papa Perez