MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gordon McQueen has passed away at the age of 70.
The former defender has died after suffering with vascular dementia since January 2021.
According to his daughter Hayley, a presenter on Sky Sports, McQueen had been bedridden for the past few months.
She revealed her dad would regularly watch football and received visits from former team-mates, who he still recognised despite his condition.
Hayley released a statement, writing: “Dad 💔 Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
“I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight. One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
“I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me Anna and Eddie.
“His career gave me one too & I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.
“(A big thanks to my employers Sky Sports who have been incredible throughout this and for all the time off and support they’ve given me this last year or so) #ripdad.”
Most read in Football
A family statement read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
“We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health.
“The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.
“Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude. You will remain in our hearts always, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla.”
McQueen began his career at St Mirren before moving to Leeds where he played alongside club greats including Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.
He played under legendary manager Don Revie in the famous Leeds side that won the league in 1974.
The Scot later joined United in 1978 and went on to make 184 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in 1983.
McQueen also finished as a runner-up in the cup in 1975 and again in 1979, and twice was selected in the PFA Team of the Year.
He won 30 caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
PUNDITRY MOVE
After hanging up his boots McQueen had a brief spell in charge of Airdrieonians and worked as a coach at Middlesbrough between 1995-01.
A move into punditry followed as McQueen landed a job at Sky Sports before he returned to Boro as a scout in 2008.
Tributes have poured in for the icon with United releasing a statement saying: “Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen.
“Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time.”
Leeds produced a statement paying tribute to McQueen’s success at the club.
It included: “Leeds United are saddened to learn of the passing of former defender Gordon McQueen at the age of 70, following a battle with dementia.
“The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Gordon’s wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and grandchildren Rudi, Etta and Ayla, along with his friends at this time.”
Read more on The Sun
TalkSPORT presenter Jim White saying: “So very sad to hear former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died, aged 70.
“A great footballer and true friend with the warmest heart.
I send my love and condolences to the McQueen family.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
