Former Argentina Manager Alejandro Sabella, Dies At 66

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Former Argentina manager, Alejandro Sabella has tragically died at the age of 66.

His death comes less than two weeks after the passing of Diego Maradona, who played with Sabella for the Argentine national side in the 1980s.

According to The Sun, Sabella was ‘rushed to a specialist hospital’ at the end of last month after suffering ‘fluid retention in his legs’.

He also picked up a virus and was placed in intensive care in Buenos Aires with reports in Argentina claiming he died of acute heart disease.

Sabella led his country to the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil where Argentina was beaten by Germany in extra time.

Sabella started his playing career in his native Argentina with River plate. He moved to England in 1978, playing first for Sheffield United for two seasons before joining Leeds in 1980.

He then returned to Argentina and signed for Estudiantes. Sabella also had spells at Gremio, Ferro Carril Oeste, and Irapuato.

Sabella returned to manage Estudiantes in 2009, winning South America’s Copa Libertadores title.

He led Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, de group stage victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria.

Argentina then overcame Switzerland in the last-16, Belgium in the quarter-finals, and then Holland to reach the final in Rio de Janeiro.

Germany prevailed in the final at the Maracana though, with Mario Gotze scoring the only goal of the game in extra time.

Argentine and Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi has taken to Instagram to pay tribute to Alejandro Sabella.

Sharing a photo of them at the 2014 World Cup, he wrote: “It was a pleasure to share so much with you,”

“Alejandro was a great person, aside from being a model professional who shaped my career and helped me learn much from him.

“We enjoyed together some of my favorite footballing memories during qualification for the World Cup and in the World Cup itself. My condolences to all his family and friends.”