FORMER England star Paul Mariner has died aged 68 just months after a battle with brain cancer.
The striker, who also played for Arsenal, helped Ipswich Town reach glory in the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup.
He also netted 13 times for England in 35 games as he made appearances during the 1980 Euros and 1982 World Cup.
His devastated family confirmed he passed away yesterday following a “brief” battle with brain cancer.
A statement said: “Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.
“Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and his work.
“He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him.”
The family also thanked the NHS for their “unbelievable care” and those who visited Mariner during his battle.
The Three Lions led tributes to Mariner after the sad news was confirmed.
They said: “We’re sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.
“Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.”
‘DEVASTATED’
Ipswich Town FC also paid tribute to their former striker, saying: “We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68.
“The thoughts of everyone at #itfc are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.
“Thank you, Paul.”
Mariner’s former Ipswich teammate Alan Brazil revealed in November how the prolific goalscorer had undergone major surgery.
It is understood he had a brain tumour removed.
The star tweeted his gratitude to well-wishers at the time, saying: “Thank you, I’m fighting and have incredible people looking after me.”
Bolton-born Mariner began his career aged 19 when he signed for Chorley in 1973.
He then moved to Plymouth Argyle where he scored 61 goals in 155 appearances.
Mariner’s partnership with teammate Billy Rafferty was instrumental to the Pilgrims’ Division Three promotion campaign in 1974/75.
In 1976, he was sold to Ipswich where he made 339 appearances for the club under Bobby Robson’s management and scored 135 goals.
Mariner also spent two years with Arsenal and Portsmouth before moving abroad to play for teams in Australia, the US and Malta.
He returned to Plymouth as head coach and then manager but couldn’t save the team from relegation in 2010.
The former player then turned his hand to MLS teams and was head coach for Toronto FC for six months before becoming a commentator.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
