Tuesday 28 August 2007

Milan await Super Cup decision

Milan’s European Super Cup clash on Friday may be postponed after the tragic death of Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta.

The 22-year-old collapsed during the opening Primera Liga match against Getafe last Saturday and it emerged that he had suffered a heart attack. Puerta had collapsed 35 minutes into the game, but recovered consciousness and was able to walk off the pitch. Doctors said he had collapsed again in the dressing rooms and had to be given cardiac resuscitation before being taken to hospital.

After three days in hospital it has been revealed that he suffered ventricular arrhythmia – a lack oxygen to the brain – while playing and lost his fight for life on Tuesday afternoon.

Sevilla’s Champions League clash with AEK Athens tonight will be rescheduled, but as yet there is no news on Friday’s match.

"Everyone asssociated with A.C Milan offer their condolences to the family and friends of Antonio Puerta," a statement from the Rossoneri read. "The club is ready to accept any decision made regarding the Super Cup."


Puerta, who was capped once by Spain last October, was born in Seville and had come through the ranks of his hometown club. He became a first-team regular last season – making 55 La Liga appearances in all – and featured in Sevilla's successive UEFA Cup triumphs as well as their victories in the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Cup and this month's Spanish Super Cup.

Indeed, Puerta scored the winning penalty in May as Sevilla defeated Espanyol in a penalty shoot-out after drawing 2-2 in Glasgow to reclaim the European trophy. "I dreamed of playing for Sevilla but never imagined I could win five trophies in 15 months with the club," he said. "I'm proud to be from Seville."

Source: C4 Football Italia / UEFA

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