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MADRID - Spanish soccer has been stunned by the death of Sevilla's 22-year-old midfielder Antonio Puerta, one of his country's most promising young players.
The Spanish international collapsed during a Primera Liga match against Getafe on Sunday and had been in a critical condition in hospital.
Puerta died of "multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest" and subsequent coronary problems, the Virgen del Rocio Hospital reported.
Former Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros, now of Athletic Bilbao, said: "He was a magnificent footballer and had a great sporting future."
Dramatic pictures of Puerta's collapse were flashed around Spain, and his plight, with daily medical updates, has dominated the news.
Fans held a round-the-clock vigil of fans at the Virgen del Rocio hospital and a steady stream of visitors went to see him.
City rivals Real Betis were among the first to arrive; others included former teammates Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Jose Antonio Reyes of Atletico.
Thousands of email messages of support were sent to the club and many were posted on its website.
Sevilla have always had a prickly relationship with Betis, which makes the words of their eccentric major-shareholder Manuel Ruiz de Lopera all the more touching.
"This has been a huge blow for the whole of Seville, and completely unexpected," Lopera said. "It is important to see the rivalry counts for nothing, and that we are all affected," he said.
"My thoughts are with him, his family and Sevilla. Betis will always stand by Sevilla."
Puerta was a product of Sevilla's acclaimed youth system, breaking into the side in the 2004-2005 season and becoming a regular the following year as a versatile left-sided player.
He became a hero to Sevilla fans for the spectacular goal he scored against Schalke 04 that secured their place in the UEFA Cup final for the first time in April last year.
Neither side had scored in 180 minutes of football, but 11 minutes into extra time in the second game, Puerta drilled a curling shot inside the far post to settle the tie.
Sevilla went on to win the final against Middlesbrough 4-0.
- Reuters
