Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano is in a stable condition in hospital in Sagunto near Valencia after suffering a heart attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"Alfredo Di Stefano was admitted to the hospital at 0045 GMT complaining of pains in his chest and tests have revealed that he had suffered an acute heart attack," doctor Victoria de la Cueva said in a statement.
"He is in the intensive care unit at the moment. His condition has improved and he is conscious. He is aware of what is going on, is stable and breathing well on his own."
Doctor De la Cueva said the 79-year-old Argentine would remain under observation in the intensive care unit for at least 48 hours.
Di Stefano, Real's honorary president and record goalscorer, led the Spanish club to five consecutive European Cup triumphs between 1956 and 1960 and eight Spanish league titles.
He won the European Footballer of the Year award in 1957 and 1959.
Real president Florentino Perez and his Valencia counterpart Juan Soler said Di Stefano was in good spirits after they visited him in hospital.
