Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins died in hospital on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack and fall last week, his family have confirmed. He was 61.
Wilkins, who made 84 appearances for England during his career, was placed into an induced coma and remained in critical condition at St George’s Hospital until he died.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning,” a family statement read. “We’d like to thank St George’s staff for the amazing work they’ve done to care for our beloved Ray.
“We’d also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we’ve received from Ray’s friends, colleagues, and members of the public. We’re asking for privacy at this difficult time.”
Wilkins played for Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan, QPR and Rangers in a professional career that lasted 24 years before he retired in 1997. He won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983, scoring a memorable goal in the first tie against Brighton at Wembley, which ended 2-2. He also won the Scottish title with Rangers in 1989.
He then enjoyed two spells as assistant manager at Stamford Bridge, where he remained a regular presence on matchdays long after his dismissal in November 2010. Wilkins was also a regular pundit on talkSPORT and Sky Sports in recent years.
An accomplished midfielder on the pitch and a jovial character off it, Wilkins proved a popular figure wherever he went and news of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world.
“Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins,” the Premier League champions said on Twitter. “Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed.”
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I am very, very sad to hear the news about Ray and send my deepest sympathies to Ray’s wife Jackie, his children Jade and Ross and all of his family. Ray was a great football man, who was well respected and liked by all who knew him and he always had a kind word and time for people.”
England manager Gareth Southgate said on the Football Association’s official website: “Ray was a great ambassador for the game, a proud Englishman who loved playing for his country and an absolute gent — a class act.”
Franco Baresi led the tributes to his former AC Milan teammate ahead of the derby with Inter on Wednesday night. The Italian laid a wreath behind one of the goals at San Siro before raising an AC shirt with “Wilkins 8” on the back to the crowd.
“In these moments you never know what to say, but it was an honour to have you as a companion, you were special, a gentleman on the field and out. Thank you Ray Wilkins RIP,” Baresi tweeted.
The English Football League said it would stage a moment for applause ahead of Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley Stadium to honour Wilkins.
Liam is ESPN FC’s Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Liam_Twomey.
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