Ferran Olivella dead at 86: Former Spain captain and Barcelona star passes away as tributes pour in
FORMER Spain captain Ferran Olivella has died aged 86.
A defender by trade, Olivella captained Spain to Euros glory in 1964.
He also spent 13 years at Barcelona, winning the La Liga title in 1959 and 1960.
Olivella then served as a director at the club after retiring.
The Spanish FA paid tribute to Olivella on social media.
A tweet on Sunday said: “Ferran Olivella Pons, captain of the national team that won the 1964 European Cup, has passed away.
“From @RFEF we want to express our deepest condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Barcelona wrote: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ferran Olivella, a former Club player between 1956 and 1969.
“Rest in peace.”
And a statement from Real Madrid added: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and its Board of Directors sincerely regret the passing of Ferran Olivella, a legendary player of F. C. Barcelona and Spanish football.
“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.”
Olivella played for Barca from 1956 to 1969, and was a director from 1989 to 1993.
He made 18 appearances in total for the Spanish national team, and was part of the squad for the 1966 World Cup.