Legendary England World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Gordon Banks, has passed away at the age of 81.
News of his death was announced via a statement by his family on the website of his former side, Stoke City, on Tuesday morning.
“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,” the statement read.
With Stoke, Banks twice reached the FA Cup semi-final and won the League Cup title in 1972.
He later became president of the football club in 2000, following the death of his predecessor in that role, Sir Stanley Matthews.
Gordon Banks made 73 international appearances for England and lifted the 1966 World Cup after England’s 4-2 win over West Germany in the final.
He is remembered for making a remarkable save to deny Brazillian striker, Pele, at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
