FORMER Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died of coronavirus aged 76, with ex-Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka paying a tribute to him.

Sanz, Real’s president from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.

A statement on Real Madrid’s official website read: “Today, Real Madrid is mourning the loss of a president who dedicated a large part of his life to his great passion: Real Madrid.

“Given the current circumstances, Real Madrid will pay him the recognition he deserves as soon as possible.”

Karanka, who left Boro after a successful spell in 2017, played for Real during that period, Tweeted: “Today is a very hard day. Lorenzo Sanz and Santiago Denia (the father of Spain’s Under-19s coach) have left us prematurely. Two people whom I had a great appreciation and with whom I enjoyed very good moments, also with their families, to whom I send a big hug, especially to Fernando and Santi.”

Sanz’s son Lorenzo Jr, a former player and director with Real’s basketball team, confirmed his father’s death on Twitter.

He wrote: “My father just passed away. He did not deserve this ending and this way. One of the kindest, bravest, and (most) hardworking people I have ever seen is leaving.

“His family and Real Madrid were his passion. My mother and my brothers have enjoyed all their moments with pride.”

Real won six trophies during Sanz’s time as president, including the Champions League in 1998 and 2000 which Karanka was part of.

Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, has tested positive for coronavirus, his Chinese club Shandong Luneng have announced.

Chinese media is reporting that the 32-year-old is in isolation at Jinan hospital, which specialises in infectious diseases.

Fellaini, who spent 11 seasons in England with United and Everton, recently returned to the country after a spell in Dubai following the outbreak of Covid-19.

“The official test confirmed that the player Fellaini has tested positive for the coronavirus during the quarantine observation period,” the club said in a statement.