Former English Footballer Trevor Francis Dies Aged 69

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Dalton Mac Namee
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Former English footballer Trevor Francis, has died aged 69.

Francis who was the first British footballer to cost £1 million, died from a heart attack at his home in Marbella in Spain this morning, according to a statement released by his family.

Having scored 119 goals in 280 appearances in Birmingham City, Francis joined Nottingham Forest for a then British record of £1 million in 1979.

He went on to help Brian Clough’s side win back to back European Cups in that time, including scoring the winning goal in the first final against Malmo.

“a huge shock”

In a statement shared via his family, a spokesperson confirmed that Trevor Francis died from a heart attack.

“Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69”, the statement read.

“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”. 

Tributes Paid To Francis 

Nottingham Forest led the tributes to Francis, sharing this post on social media.

“Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis”, the club wrote. “A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten”.  

“wonderful person”

Former teammates also paid moving tributes to Francis, including Peter Shilton and Viv Anderson.

“Just heard the unbelievable news regarding Trevor Francis, he was such a wonderful person and fabulous teammate he will be sadly missed, my condolences go to his family and friends RIP”, Anderson wrote.

Peter Shilton tweeted,  “I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my old team mate Trevor Francis such a wonderful gentleman a friend and a terrible loss”. 

Another of Francis’ former clubs, Birmingham City whom he also managed, paid this tribute.

“Blues is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Club legend Trevor Francis, at the age of 69 on Monday 24 July 2023”, the Blues wrote.

“Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the club, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented Blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals. Blues sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family and friends”. 

Other people who paid tribute to Francis also include Gary Lineker, and Chris Kamara.

https://twitter.com/chris_kammy/status/1683472160772194312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1683472160772194312%7Ctwgr%5Ec8e2db00190c638624027bc0020b660600027f09%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skysports.com%2Ffootball%2Fnews%2F11095%2F12926619%2Ftrevor-francis-former-england-birmingham-city-nottingham-forest-qpr-and-sheffield-wednesday-striker-dies-aged-69

 

“deeply saddened”

Following a successful time with Forest, Trevor Francis left for Manchester City in 1981, before having spells in Italy with Sampdoria, and Atlanta.

He also played for Rangers, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday, before retiring in 1994.

Francis also had 52 caps with England, scoring 12 goals between 1977 and 1986, featuring in the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69”, the FA wrote. “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”. 

He also managed Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, and Sheffield Wednesday. He led the last two teams to major finals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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