A FORMER LaLiga footballer died this morning aged just 51.
Luis Marquez spent 11 years with Real Betis first team
between 1989 and 2000 before short stints with Real Valladolid, Pontevedra and Real Jaen.
He passed away following a battle with cancer.
Seville-born Marquez starred as a cup-winning “outstanding youth squad player” and was nicknamed Schuster due to his physical and technical resemblance with the German midfielder Bernd.
He helped Betis get promoted back into the top flight of Spanish football and was a regular starter throughout the 1990s, featuring in the Uefa Cup.
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Marquez is fondly remembered for his incredible goal against Atletico Madrid in 1994-95, thrashing home a stunning volley from a corner.
The sensational strike is viewed by many as the greatest goal ever scored at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
In total, he played 202 times for Real Betis, scoring 15 goals.
Tributes poured in for the iconic star, who is a key player in Los Verdiblancos’ rich history.
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Real Betis said: “Very sad news for the whole Green and White family. Former player Luis Marquez has passed away this morning.
“We send all our love and support to his family. Rest in peace.”
Real Madrid wrote: “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors deeply lament the passing of Luis Marquez, who played for
@RealBetis between 1989 and 2000, and wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his loved ones and the clubs that he played for. RIP.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian, who started his career with Betis, tweeted: “All my love to the family and loved ones of Luis Marquez. A legend for the Betic family is leaving. Rest in peace.”
Another added: “You have left my great friend fighting until the end, your family and your friends are very proud of the great person you have been.
“Fly high friend, wherever you are, you will always be present in our hearts. RIP My great friend Luis Marquez.”
One user commented: “I write with enormous pain what I never wanted and feared so much.
“Luis Marquez, author of one of the best goals of all time by a @RealBetis player, has died in Seville. It was on a passionate Saturday in 1995 against Atletico de Madrid.”
A friend typed: “Thank you for being an example of struggle in this life. For having such a big heart.
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“For being that friend we all wanted to have. Rest in peace, my dear Luis Marquez. Help us from up there as only you knew how to do it. There is an officer in heaven.
And an emotional tribute from another pal read: “Luis Marquez, a great person, my friend and especially his son and mine, great friends, he left us tonight, rest in peace my friend, the children and we will always keep remembering you… too many years of struggle, you have been a champion.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
