England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies aged 81

ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died, his former club Stoke have announced.

A statement from his family said: “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.”

Banks was 81.

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

Widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his time, Banks played 73 times for England and also won the League Cup while at Stoke and Leicester City.

Also spending time at Chesterfield, he made 510 career league appearances.

Perhaps his finest moment was a remarkable save he made to deny Brazil superstar Pele in the 1970 World Cup.

His playing career was brought to an end in 1972 when he lost the sight in one eye following a car accident.

Among those paying tributes was Gary Lineker, who tweeted: “Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died.

“England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man.”

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling said: “Of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today.

“RIP Gordon Banks. England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family.”

From the family of Gordon Banks

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. pic.twitter.com/mg5GIgSoBb

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 12, 2019