Madrid- Spanish giants Atletico Madrid announced Thursday the death of nine-year-old junior player Diego Alcala Rivero in Madrid's 12 de Octubre hospital after an accident.

The boy had been in the hospital's intensive care unit since Saturday, after the metal roof of the Atletico junior team's bench fell on him during a match in the Madrid suburb of Las Rozas.

He was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries/

A message on Atletico's official webite said "the club would like to publicly express its gratitude for the inumerable demonstrations of support and affection received from all over Spain. Diego, rest in peace."

There will be a minute's silence for him before Atletico's home game against leaders Barcelona on Sunday. (dpa)