Former India football player Marto Gracias died in Mumbai on Sunday following a cardiac arrest, according to informed sources.
The former striker, who had also captained Maharashtra in the senior nationals and Tata Sports Club in major tournaments, had undergone a bypass surgery a couple of years ago.
He suffered a heart attack at his residence on Sunday evening and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but breathed his last on admission, the sources said.
Gracias had represented the country in a couple of international tournaments and his notable feat was a hat-trick in India's 4-0 win against Hong Kong in a league match of the 1967 Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Born in Goa, he also played for SalgaocarSC for two seasons before joining Mumbai-based TataSC in 1967 and representing the top club till he hung up his boots in 1978-79.
During his stint with TataSC, Gracias led the team to triumphs in major tournaments, including the Rovers Cup and Bandodkar Trophy, and in local competitions -- Harwood League and Nadkarni Cup.
He captained Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy nationals, in which he had also represented Goa.
His funeral mass will be held on Tuesday evening.
Image: Marto Gracias