Sandro Mazzola, the former Inter Milan captain regarded as one of Italy's finest ever players, has died at the age of 83. His death was announced by Inter on Saturday. No cause of death was given.
Mazzola spent his entire 17-year playing career at Inter, the only club he ever represented. In an emotional statement, the Nerazzurri paid tribute to him alongside the current leadership of the club.
"FC Internazionale Milano, its President Giuseppe Marotta, Vice President Javier Zanetti, head coach Cristian Chivu and his staff, the players, and everyone at Inter mourn with profound sorrow the passing of Sandro Mazzola, a Nerazzurri and world football legend," Inter said.
"Sandro Mazzola was one of the greatest footballers in history. Not only in the history of the Nerazzurri."
A Career Defined by Inter and Italy
Playing as an attacking midfielder or second striker, Mazzola scored 158 goals in 565 matches for Inter. He helped the club win four Serie A titles and two European Cups during his time there.
On the international stage, Mazzola was part of the Italy squad that won the European Championship in 1968.
