The first British one million pound footballer, Trevor Francis, has died at the age of 69.
A statement shared on behalf of his family with ITV, read, “Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69”.
‘He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning.
‘On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset.
‘He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person.’
Gary Lineker was among those sharing their tributes to the legendary striker, with the Match of the Day host tweeting: ‘Deeply saddened to hear that Trevor Francis has died. A wonderful footballer and lovely man. Was a pleasure to work alongside him both on the pitch and on the telly. RIP Trevor.’
Legendary England goalkeeper Peter Shilton wrote: ‘I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my old team mate Trevor Francis such a wonderful gentleman a friend and a terrible loss’.
Chris Kamara reflected on working alongside Francis on co-commentary for Sky Sports, and reflected on his iconic status as the first million pound player. Kamara said: ‘Oh no, just heard Trevor Francis has passed away. What a player he was & what a gentleman.
‘Got to know him well when Trevor was doing his Co Commentary’s for Sky a job he loved. RIP Trevor the first Million pound player who always looked a million dollars.’
And former Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore tweeted to say: ‘The loveliest of men, humble, humorous, always giving of his time and advice.
‘Absolutely gutted that Trev has gone, they say never meet your heroes, well, I met mine and he was an absolute gentleman.
‘Rest in peace, Ledge, one in a million.’
Francis won 52 caps for England across a nine year spell, scoring twice at the 1982 World Cup
The official England Twitter account also added their own tribute on Francis’s legacy. They wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news that Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69.
‘He won 52 caps and scored 12 goals – including two at the 1982 @FIFAWorldCup – for the #ThreeLions between 1977 and 1986. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs.’
One of those former clubs, Sheffield Wednesday – where he finished his playing career before turning his hand to managerial work – said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Trevor Francis.
‘Our thoughts are with Trevor’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.’
After his football career, he turned to management as well as working as a television pundit
He twice won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest after his big-money move.
Francis was a lethal striker in his time and won the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest having first risen to stardom at Birmingham City.
