GARY LINEKER and Piers Morgan led the tributes to Norman Hunter after his death aged 76.
The Leeds and England legend passed away on Friday from coronavirus, just a week after it was revealed he had contracted the killer bug.
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Tributes have poured in for Norman Hunter following his death aged 76Credit: PA:Press Association
And thousands of fans and pundits alike quickly paid their respects to the 1966 World Cup winner, nicknamed “Bite Yer Legs” for his hardman style.
Revealing the tragic news, Leeds tweeted: “Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76.”
In a statement on their website, they continued: “Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
“Despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning.
“He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family, his legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Immediately after the announcement, tributes from fans and pundits alike began to roll in – with Lineker and Morgan amongst the first.
Lineker wrote: “Sad news: Norman Hunter has passed away. Grew up watching that great @LUFC side of which he was a huge part.
“This awful virus was one crunching tackle too far but he’ll be biting yer legs somewhere. RIP Norman.”
Morgan added: “RIP Norman Hunter, 76, from #coronavirus.
“One of the hardest men to ever play football, earning himself the nickname ‘Bites Yer Legs’.
“Also one of the best defenders to grace the game, & was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad. Very sad news.”
England’s official Twitter paid their respects to their former World Cup champion.
They wrote: “We’re extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter at the age of 76.
“Norman was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and won 28 caps for the #ThreeLions.
“All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters at this time.”
Former Leeds and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler said: “Thinking of all his and the Leeds family at this incredibly sad time #ripNorman”.
Another of Hunter’s former clubs, Bristol City, sent their condolences on Twitter.
They wrote: “Bristol City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter.
“The thoughts of everyone at Bristol City are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Former Leeds boss Peter Reid added: “RIP Norman Hunter, a giant of a man.”
And ex-Leeds defender Brian Deane thanked Hunter for his help during his early days at Elland Road.
Deane said: “When I first joined the club it’s no secret I struggled to settle in.
“My Mum used to listen to the games on the radio and she used to say ‘Brian you’ve got a friend in Norman Hunter’.
“Thank you Norman you wonderful man. #RIPNormanHunter”.
The official Twitter account of the Fifa World Cup also paid their respects, saying: “Norman Hunter, a member of @England’s 1966 #WorldCup-winning squad, has died at the age of 76.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time. Rest in peace, Norman.”
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The Professional Footballers’ Association added: “All at the PFA are deeply saddened to hear of Norman Hunter’s passing.
“Football has lost a legend and we join the entire football community in mourning this loss.”
Hunter made 540 appearances for Leeds and won 28 England caps, including being a part of the World Cup squad that won the tournament on home soil in 1966.
England 1966 World Cup hero and Leeds United legend Norman Hunter dies after testing positive for coronavirus aged 76
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
