FORMER Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso Pena has tragically passed away aged 63.
Spanish media reported the winger – the father of Chelsea legend Marcos Alonso – passed away following a “long illness.”
The cause of Alonso Pena’s tragic passing is currently unknown.
Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for the Spaniard – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
Ex-Atletico star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso.
“Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
His ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
“He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
“All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.”
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Alonso Pena started his career with Racing Santander in the late 70s before moving to Atletico Madrid.
He then joined Barcelona, where he went on to play 124 matches and score 28 goals over five years.
The Spanish winger then returned to Atletico and Santander later in his career, before retiring in 1991.
The late Alonso also made 22 appearances for Spain at international level, scoring once.
ALONSO DYNASTY
GRANDFATHER – Marquitos, full name Marcos Alonso Imaz
First of his two caps for Spain came in March 1955 against France.
A versatile defender, he won five European Cups in his eight years with Real Madrid.
FATHER – Marcos, full name Marcos Alonso Pena
Made his Spain debut against England in March 1981 and won 22 caps for his country, finishing runner-up at Euro ’84.
Won La Liga with Barcelona in 1984-85 under Terry Venables.
SON – Marcos Alonso, full name Marcos Alonso Mendoza
Made the first of his nine Spain caps against Argentina in March 2018.
Has played for the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and Club World Cup with the Blues.
He went on to have a managerial career after hanging up his boots.
He took charge of his beloved Atletico and Racing, along with Sevilla and five other clubs.
Alonso Pena was a second-generation Spanish footballer as his dad – Marcos Alonso Imaz – played for Real Madrid in the 1950s and 1960s.
His son – Marcos Alonso Mendoza – has also enjoyed a storied career, playing for Bolton, Fiorentina, Chelsea and Barcelona.
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Alonso Mendoza enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Chelsea – winning the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League.
He joined Barca last summer after mutually terminating his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
