Sad day in football as ex-Chelsea and England goalkeeper passes away

Peter Bonetti has passed on at the age of 78 after losing long battle with illness.

The former Chelsea and England goalkeeper who was nicknamed 'The Cat' played 729 games for the Blues making him the second-highest of all time.

He was part of England's 1966 World Cup winning side but only managed to play seven times for the Three Lions.

Bonetti helped Chelsea win the League Cup in 1965, the FA Cup in 1970 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1971.

A Chelsea statement read: "Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti.

"Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long-term illness. All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends.

"Peter Bonetti's position in the pantheon of Chelsea footballing gods is unassailable. He was the Cat who broke the mould, defied the odds, drew the gasps, earned the cheers and got the cream. All in front of an adoring Stamford Bridge."