Manchester City great Francis Lee has died, aged 79.
The striker scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for City and was part of the side who won the First Division title in 1968.
Lee also played for Derby County and Bolton Wanderers in a storied career. In addition to his four major trophies with City, he won the First Division with Derby towards the end of his career under Dave Mackay.
Lee also won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, and was part of the squad which got to the quarter-finals of the 1970 World Cup before losing to West Germany.
Lee was made a CBE in 2016 for services to football and charity
A statement from Manchester City read: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
“A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals. He won one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields during a glittering eight-year spell as a player – a legacy that ensures his position among Manchester City’s all-time greats is secure.
“He would later return to City as club Chairman in 1994, spending four years at the helm. Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words. E
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time. As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
More to follow
