Ex-Barcelona star dies of heart attack

Barcelona and indeed the football family in Spain are in a mourning mood presently following the passing away of former striker, Quini

The former Barca and Spain striker died of a heart attack, aged 68.

Quini spent the majority of his career with Sporting Gijon, who he represented prolifically either side of his 1980 to 1984 stint with Barca.

He won the Pichichi trophy for being the top scorer in LaLiga five times and remains eighth on the all-time list in Spain’s top flight thanks to 219 goals across 448 appearances.

Quini represented Spain at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups, along with the 1980 European Championship.

His honours at Barca included Copa del Rey triumphs in 1980-81 and 1982-83 – scoring twice against his beloved Sporting in the former final – and the 1981-82 Cup Winners’ Cup.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late striker with several players pouring out their hearts on social media

David Villa is another striker who learned his trade at Sporting before moving to Barca and Spain’s all-time top scorer led the tributes to his mentor.

Barca captain Andres Iniesta tweeted: “We’ll miss you brujo. RIP. My condolences to family and friends.”

The La Liga giants’ president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: “Dismayed by the death of Quini, an extraordinary player and an incredible person who won a privileged place in the hearts of the Barca players and the world of football. Our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.”