Cesar Luis Menotti, who led a dashing Argentina team to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, has died aged 85, the country’s football federation announced on Sunday.
Menotti played for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Santos. He began his coaching career at Newell’s Old Boys and won the Argentine championship with Huracan in 1973, before taking over as head coach of the Argentine national team in 1974.
“The Argentine Football Association regrets to announce with great sadness the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, current director of the national teams and former World Cup winning coach of Argentina. Farewell, Flaco querido,” the governing body said in a statement.
Menotti, who left the national side after the 1982 World Cup, went on to coach Barcelona, where he guided the side to the Copa Del Rey success in 1983.
He also had spells with Atletico Madrid, Argentine sides Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate, Penarol, Rosario Central, Sampdoria and two Mexican sides Puebla and Tecos.
More to follow.
(Inputs: Reuters)
