ENGLAND football legend Nobby Stiles has died aged 78.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder has passed away after a long illness, his family said.
England football legend Nobby Stiles has died aged 78Credit: Getty – Contributor
ENGLAND football legend Nobby Stiles has died aged 78Credit: PA:Press Association
Stiles had battled dementia before his deathCredit: PA:Press Association
Stiles had been battling Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia for 18 years and had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012.
His family said in a statement: “The Stiles family are sad to announce that Nobby Stiles passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family after a long illness.
“The family kindly ask for privacy at this sad time.”
Stiles was an important member of the 1966 World Cup winning team.
He was famous for dancing on the Wembley turf after England beat West Germany 4-2.
The midfielder won 28 caps for the Three Lions and played 311 times for Manchester United.
Stiles also won the European Cup with the Red Devils in 1968 when they beat Benfica at Wembley.
He later went on to play for Middlesbrough between 1971-73 and Preston North End from 1973-75 before retiring from the game.
After hanging up his boots he went into coaching and managed Preston, Vancouver Whitecaps and West Brom.
Nobby Stiles (far left, front row) celebrating winning the World Cup in 1966Credit: Getty – Contributor
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk