Stars including Graeme Souness pay their respects as England icon Trevor Francis is laid to rest at funeral in Marbella

GRAEME SOUNESS paid his respects at Trevor Francis’ funeral in Marbella.

Britain’s first £1million footballer died aged 69 on Monday after suffering a heart attack at his home in Spain.

And Liverpool hero Souness made the journey to the Costa del Sol to mark his farewell to his close friend, who he played with at Sampdoria and signed for Rangers.

The service, conducted by a Church of England chaplain now based in Spain and selected by the family, was held in San Pedro de Alcantara and lasted an hour.

Francis’ body was driven 20 miles down the coast for a private cremation in Manilva.

Souness, wearing a navy shirt and trousers and sunglasses, carried photos of Francis as he arrived.

The Scottish icon joined Francis’ friends and family for the sad occasion in the Mediterranean sunshine.

It is understood his brother Ian and sister Carolyn were in attendance as well as sons James and Matthew, six years on from the death of Francis’ wife Helen.

Large wreaths of light blue flowers were collected by guests in relatively casual dress.

Francis was an instrumental figure for Birmingham and then Brian Clough’s European Cup-winning Nottingham Forest side in 1979.

The Plymouth-born striker scored the only goal of the final with a superb diving header at the back post against Malmo.

Francis also had spells with Detroit Express, Manchester City, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Rangers, QPR, Wollongong City and Sheffield Wednesday.

He won 52 caps for England, scoring two of his 12 goals at the 1982 World Cup, to take his overall career tally to 294 goals in 835 appearances.

Following his retirement in 1994, Francis managed QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.

Francis’ family announced his sad passing on Monday with a statement that said: “Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning.

“On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset.

“He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person.”

Football icon and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker labelled Francis as a “wonderful footballer and lovely man”.

Peter Shilton tweeted: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my old team-mate Trevor Francis such a wonderful gentleman a friend and a terrible loss.”

Veteran ITV sports presenter and close pal Gary Newbon led tributes to the footballer following the tragedy

He told The Sun: “This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends.

“He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game.

“But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people.”

Sky Sports’ Simon Thomas said: “What an incredibly sad day for football. Trevor Francis was an absolutely brilliant player and above all he was a lovely man.

“Worked with him a few times and despite everything he achieved in the game, he was incredibly humble. Gone too soon.”

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire added: “Very sad to read of the passing of Trevor Francis, recall him destroying Brighton at Maine Road.

“His 1979 transfer fee, adjusted for football inflation (revenue increases over time as a measure of purchasing power) would be £253.5million today. That’s how good he was.”

And Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson commented: “I’m deeply shocked to hear of Trevor Francis’ death. Such a gentleman and a wonderful player.

“I still reference him when talking to players, with his mid-stride toe-poke finish. I played with him when he was 37 but still a class performer. Thoughts with his family and loved ones.”

A book of condolence in memory of Francis has been opened at the Library of Birmingham to allow supporters to pay their own personal tributes.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk