Former Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella dies aged 66

Alejandro Sabella, the coach who took Argentina to the World Cup final in 2014, has died aged 66 after years of battling with cancer and heart problems.

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

“Another harsh blow for football in this dark 2020: the beloved Alejandro Sabella has departed,” said his team mate, former goalkeeper Ubaldo Fillol.

“An exquisite player, a winning coach who took us to the World Cup final, and a great person.”

A tricky winger who also played in midfield, Sabella shot to fame at River Plate in the 1970s and earned a transfer to Sheffield United, becoming one of the first South American players to feature in the English league.

At: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/former-argentina-coach-alejandro-sabella-dies-aged-66/articleshow/79637903.cms

Argentine football midfielder and coach Alejandro Sabella during the 2014 World Cup.

Sabella, known for his modesty and progressive politics as well as his talent, was the last head coach to lead Argentina to a World Cup final.

“Alejandro Sabella was a man of dignity, convictions and principles, and that is how he showed himself on the field as a player and as a coach,” Argentine President Alberto Fernández tweeted.

“Today a true master of football left.”