Soccer - Argentine World Cup winner Houseman dies aged 64

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Rene Houseman, the flamboyant right winger who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, has died at the age of 64, the Argentine Football Association said on Thursday.

(Reuters)

Houseman, who was known as El Loco (The Madman) for his brilliant skills and rebellious nature, was diagnosed with tongue cancer last year.

He spent most of his career at Huracan, winning a league title in 1973. He also enjoyed spells at River Plate, Colo Colo in Chile, and Independiente, amongst others.

Houseman won 55 caps for Argentina, playing at both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.

"Extraordinary player," former team mate Osvaldo Ardiles wrote on Twitter.

"Unique. All the skill in the world. Brave. Fast. Off and on the field. Humble. Privilege to have played so many games alongside him."

(Reporting by Andrew Downie, editing by Pritha Sarkar)