Chelsea legend Peter Bonetti has died at the age of 78 after losing his long-term battle with illness.
The former England goalkeeper made 729 appearances for the Blues across two spells in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bonetti helped Chelsea win a League Cup and FA Cup before joining Dundee United in 1979.
The Blues dubbed Bonetti one of the club’s ‘greatest ever players’.
They said: “All of us at Chelsea Football Club are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our brilliant former goalkeeper, Peter Bonetti, who made an incredible 729 appearances for the Blues…”
“Rest in peace, Peter ‘the Cat’ Bonetti.”
Bonetti made seven appearances for England and was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
Following his retirement from football, he had coaching spells at Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle and England.
City tweeted their condolences, saying: “Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former City goalkeeping coach Peter Bonetti along with everyone at @ChelseaFC following sad news of his passing.”
Former Wales and Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall added: “RIP my friend and one time goalkeeping coach Peter Bonetti. A lovely lovely guy. A fabulous goalkeeper. A great coach. A truly fantastic gentleman. Thanks for all your help.”
In a brief statement, England said: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Bonetti. Peter was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and represented the #ThreeLions seven times. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters at this time.”
