Di Stefano bypass surgery postponed, condition stable

Former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stefano has had a heart bypass operation postponed because of a fever but doctors believe they will be able to carry out the surgery within the next few days.

Medical staff at La Fe hospital in Valencia said the 79-year-old Argentine had a difficult night but his condition had stabilised and there was a good chance he would make a recovery.

"Last night he had a fever and we decided that the conditions were not the ideal ones in which to operate," head of cardiac surgery Anastasio Montero told a news conference on Monday.

"He was in a critical situation but is now much better and we are going to see how he evolves over the next few days."

"His condition is not so bad, however, that we need to operate urgently with all the risks that entails, so we believe it is better to wait until the conditions are more appropriate."

"It is a complex case because he is a diabetic and is 79 years old, but despite that I'm optimistic and I think there is a good possibility of him making a recovery."

"He is conscious, aware of what is going on and doesn't need any artificial respiration. He is a strong man and it is clear that he has a great deal of inner belief."

Di Stefano, Real's honorary president and record goalscorer, was admitted to hospital in Sagunto after suffering pains in his chest in the early hours of Saturday. He was later transferred to La Fe hospital in Valencia.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Di Stefano led Real Madrid to five consecutive European Cup triumphs between 1956 and 1960 and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1957 and 1959.

As well as his European triumphs with Real, Di Stefano also won eight Spanish league titles, the World Club Cup and the King's Cup before joining Barcelona-based Espanyol after falling out with president Santiago Bernabeu in 1964.

Born of Italian parents in Buenos Aires, Di Stefano played for Argentina, Colombia and Spain during his 22-year career and retired at the age of 40 in 1967, playing his final match in a testimonial against Celtic in Madrid.

He then had a distinguished career in coaching, leading Boca Juniors and River Plate to Argentine championships and steering Valencia to the Spanish league title in 1971 and victory over Arsenal in the old European Cup Winners' Cup in 1980.

Di Stefano returned to Real as coach between 1982 and 1984, the side finishing runners-up in the title race in consecutive seasons, and had a brief spell as caretaker boss with Jose Antonio Camacho in 1990.

He was made honorary president in 2000 when Florentino Perez came to power and has been a regular presence at official club events and player presentations.