Gordon Banks has died at the age of 81.
The 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper, who made 73 appearances for England, played for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke among others.
He also made one appearance for St. Pat's in the League of Ireland.
A statement from the Banks family, issued via the Stoke website, reads:
It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.
We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.
We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.
Along with the World Cup, Banks twice won the League Cup, once with Leicester and once with Stoke.
His save from a Pele header during the 1970 World Cup is recognised as one of the greatest ever moments by a goalkeeper on a football pitch.
Once a champion, always a champion 🦁🏆
We are deeply sorry to hear of the death of @England World Cup winner @thegordonbanks.
He was one of the game's greatest goalkeepers, a provider of stunning World Cup memories & a gentleman.
Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/tsD4c71Ixt— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 12, 2019
Picture credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
