LEGENDARY Argentinian goalkeeper Hugo Gatti has died aged 80 just months after he suffered “complications” following surgery.
The footballer, nicknamed El Loco or “The Madman” for his outspoken character and eccentric play style, also made more than 350 appearances for Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in an illustrious career.
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It comes just weeks after it was reported Gatti was in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following surgery undertaken on his hip.
The star was operated on after injuring himself in a fall while walking his dog, the report stated.
Tragically, he passed away on Sunday, after more than a month in hospital, sources confirmed to La Nacion.
Gatti is credited as one of the first goalkeepers to wear gloves and made 18 appearances for the Argentinian national team.
He was also part of the squad that travelled to England to compete at the 1966 World Cup.
The iconic goalkeeper played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors in Argentina after turning professional with Buenos Aires club Atlanta.
He holds the record for the most appearances in the Argentine league ever, with 765 games played.
Gatti was also credited as being one of the first keepers to regularly leave his penalty area.
After retiring, following 13 years at his last club Boca Juniors, he became a TV football pundit.
Earlier this year, it was reported how the legendary keeper was being treated in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following hip surgery.
While the 80-year-old’s operation initially went well, a virus he contracted in hospital caused post-op complications.
The aftermath and breathing problems that occurred saw Gatti placed in a high-dependency care unit.
One of his two sons was already in Argentina, but the other had to return to his homeland after being told Gatti was fighting for his life.
It comes less than a year after the goalkeeper lost his wife of more than 50 years, Nacha Nodar.
They had married in 1977 and had two children.
One of their kids, Lucas, went on to play as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors, Dundee, and Badajoz.
Lucas was appointed U23 manager at League Two side Bromley after hanging up his boots in 2022.
The 47-year-old coach also managed Serie D side Olbia in Italy for a month last year.
Argentina legend Gatti made headlines in 2019 after he claimed Lionel Messi would need to leave Barcelona and join Real Madrid to prove he was truly the greatest of all time.
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