Sevilla's Puerta dies

Spaniard passes away in hospital

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 28th August 2007

puerta antonio

Puerta: 1984-2007

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Antonio Puerta has died three days after collapsing on the field during Sevilla's match with Getafe.

The 22-year-old lost consciousness and fell near his own goal on Saturday, and then collapsed again in the changing rooms.

He was taken to an intensive care unit for treatment and Sevilla later announced he had suffered a heart attack.

Puerta was given assisted ventilation but the Virgen del Rocio hospital said in a statement on Tuesday that he was in a 'very critical' condition.

It has now been confirmed that Puerta, who earned one cap for Spain, has died.

The second leg of Sevilla's UEFA Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed.

The game will now be played next Monday.

Tributes

"At this time I can think of nothing other than to share my feelings and pain with the family and to send my affection to them at this terrible time," said Spain coach Luis Aragones.

"The human aspect of Antonio comes ahead of all else."

Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros, who was instrumental in Puerta's progress in the Sevilla team during his time in charge of the club, said: "You always have to remain hopeful, but he was unable to make it.

"He was a very happy person, always optimistic. It is very difficult to take in.

"He was a very important player for Sevilla and for Spanish football, but now this tragedy has struck."