England’s most capped player Peter Shilton and former national team captain Gary Lineker are among those to have paid tribute to Gordon Banks, who has died at the age of 81.
Banks helped England win the 1966 World Cup and established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history during a 19-year playing career.
Fellow keeper Shilton, who made 125 appearances for England, joined the growing number of people from the world of football to offer their condolences on Twitter.
The 69-year-old wrote: “I’m devastated – today I’ve lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon.”
I’m devastated – today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) February 12, 2019
Banks won 73 international caps and was a key member of the England side that won the nation’s only World Cup title to date.
Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick as England beat West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 final at Wembley, said his former team-mate was “one of the very greatest”.
Very sad to hear the news that Gordon has died. One of the very greatest. Thinking especially of Ursula, Julia, Wendy and Robert. Sad for football, Stoke City and for England fans. Will be very sadly missed. https://t.co/qO1S3BGtlB — Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) February 12, 2019 Oh no. 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. #RIPGordon — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 12, 2019
Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81.Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game's true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/yj4JYZIaag — michael owen (@themichaelowen) February 12, 2019 So sorry to hear the news of my good friend gordon banks who passed away a few hrs ago myself and @Shanewh1tfield and all at kong events send our condolences what a loss & an unbelievable goal keeper & an incredible man a really true gentleman RIP mate 😪xxGAZZAxxx pic.twitter.com/GvkHzb8Dyz — Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) February 12, 2019
Banks played for Leicester, Stoke and Chesterfield domestically, making 510 league appearances in total, and his former clubs have also paid their respects.
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 The sad news reaches us that legendary former Spireite Gordon Banks has passed away. Gordon, who started his career at Chesterfield, was of course part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team. Our thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/bFGzevFIsz — Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) February 12, 2019 Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former goalkeeper Gordon Banks OBE, who has passed away at the age of 81. pic.twitter.com/Su47bGuWVA — Leicester City (@LCFC) February 12, 2019
Former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel said Banks was one of his heroes and a “true legend in life and football”.
So sad to hear that Gordon Banks one of my heroes and a true legend in life and football, has passed away. An inspiration, a winner and a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends. #RIPGordonBanks pic.twitter.com/rd4hisuyqt — Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) February 12, 2019
