Former Manchester City and England striker Francis Lee has died at the age of 79.
Lee, who scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club before spending four years as chairman in 1994, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after a long battle with lung cancer.
Described as one of City’s all-time greats, Lee won the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during eight years with the club. He also earned 27 England caps.
‘Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer,’ City said in a statement.
‘His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.
Francis Lee, the former Man City legend and chairman, has died at the age of 79
Lee was one of City’s most famous players, scoring 148 goals in 300 appearances for the club
City said they would pay further tributes to their former player and chairman over the coming days
Lee also won 27 caps for England during his career, scoring 10 goals in the process
‘Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
‘As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
‘More tributes will follow from the club in the coming days.’
Lee began his career at Bolton Wanderers before signing for City for a then record fee of of £60,000 in 1967. He later joined Derby County, helping the Rams win the league title in 1975.
He was the club’s top goalscorer for five consecutive seasons from 1969/70 to 1973/74, helping City to a number of trophies.
Lee went on to become a businessman once he retired in 1976 and was also involved in training horses. He was later chairman of City from 1994 to 1998 before being succeeded by David Bernstein.
‘All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee,’ Bolton said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.’
Manchester United said: ‘Sending our sincere condolences to the loved ones of Francis and everyone connected with Manchester City at this terribly sad time.’
Lee pictured after scoring the goal which won City the league championship in 1968
Lee received a CBE for services to football and charity in 2016
Lee (left) signed for Derby Country for £110,000 after leaving Man City and also won the title there
Lee securing hero status among the club’s supporters by scoring the winner in a 4-3 victory over Newcastle which sealed the championship in 1968.
He also played a key part in the Blues’ FA Cup success in 1969 plus the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs in 1970, scoring the decisive penalty in the final of the continental competition against Gornik Zabrze of Poland.
Lee, who was part of the England side which reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1970, won a second league title with Derby in 1975 after joining in the summer of the previous year for £110,000.
‘If you can play naturally it’s the easiest game in the world,’ Lee said in quotes reported by the Manchester Evening News in 2012.
‘I was lucky enough to play in an era when there was so much fun and laughter.’
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