Doctors keep close watch on Real Madrid legend Di Stefano

Doctors will continue to monitor Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano before deciding if he is able to undergo heart bypass surgery on Monday.

Di Stefano was admitted to the Sagunto hospital, situated just outside Valencia, on Saturday after suffering a heart attack during the night.

The 79-year-old then was moved to the intensive care unit at La Fe hospital in Valencia for specialist care.

Di Stefano is said to be in a serious condition and needs to improve before he can undergo an operation.

"His heart is beating with difficulty," a hospital spokesman said. "He has a circulation problem and some arteries feeding the heart have been seriously narrowed. He has had a heart attack and operating now would be in unfavorable circumstances."

Di Stefano inspired Madrid to win five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960, scoring in each final, including a hat trick in the fifth. He has since been made honorary president of the club.

Di Stefano played international soccer for both Argentina and Spain and was named European Footballer of the Year on two occasions.