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      Jimmy Greaves dead at 81: Tottenham & Chelsea tributes to England’s ‘greatest ever striker’ as footballer passes away

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      LEGENDARY pundit and footballer Jimmy Greaves has passed away aged 81, it has been confirmed.Greavesy, who was Tottenham Hotspur’s record goalscorer, died at home on Sunday morning, the club confirmed.
      In a statement, Spurs said: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great Jimmy Greaves, not just Tottenham’s record goalscorer but the finest marksman this country has ever seen. Jimmy passed away at home in the early hours of this morning, aged 81.
      “Throughout his wonderful playing career, Jimmy’s strike rate was phenomenal.
      “His Spurs return was 266 goals in 379 appearances between 1961 and 1970 – 220 goals in 321 league games, 32 goals in 36 FA Cup ties, five in just eight League Cup ties and nine in 14 European matches.”
      It comes after Greaves suffered a stroke in May 2015 which had left him wheelchair-bound and with severely impaired speech.
      Read our Jimmy Greaves live blog below for the latest updates…
      PAYING TRIBUTE
      Tottenham legends Ossie Ardiles, Gary Mabbutt, Ledley King, Paul Allen, Martin Chivers, Micky Hazard, Glenn Hoddle, Steve Perryman and Graham Roberts were pitchside before Spurs’ Premier League clash with Chelsea to pay tribute to the late Jimmy Greaves.

      GOALSCORING MACHINE
      English footy legend Jimmy Greaves was one of the nation’s most prolific players, scoring a whopping 466 goals in 661 appearances.

      PAYING THEIR RESPECTS
      Tottenham will honour the late Jimmy Greaves with a minute’s silence before this afternoon’s match with Chelsea.

      SOUTHGATE PAYS TRIBUTE
      England manager Gareth Southgate has also paid his respects to the late Jimmy Greaves.
      He said: “Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.
      “I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy’s family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday.
      “My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.”

      GIANT OF THE SPORT
      Gary Lineker described fellow England great Jimmy Greaves as “possibly the greatest striker” this country has ever seen.
      Lineker added that Greaves was a true “giant” in the world of football.
      The Match of the Day host also paid tribute to the man behind the footballer by describing the striker as “charismatic, knowledgeable, witty and warm” person.
      More below:

      GREAVES’ WORLD CUP
      Jimmy Greaves enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career, but perhaps none of it compares with him being part of England’s 1966 World Cup -winning team.
      However, Greaves was sidelined from the competition after picking up an injury in the group stages and was replaced by Geoff Hurst, who turned out to be one of the Three Lions’ biggest hero.
      The legendary striker said years later: “I danced around the pitch with everyone else but even in this moment of triumph and great happiness, deep down I felt my sadness.
      “Throughout my years as a professional footballer I had dreamed of playing in a World Cup final.
      “I had missed out on the match of a lifetime and it hurt”
      GREAVES STATS
      Jimmy Greaves is one of the greatest players in the history of the game and the stats prove it.
      From his Chelsea debut in 1957 until his final game for West Ham in 1971, Greaves scored a whopping 422 goals in 602 appearances across all club competitions.
      The legendary striker scored 132 goals in 169 games for Chelsea, which means he boasted a phenomenal rate of 0.78 goals per game.
      Greavsie then netted 266 times during a scintillating nine-year stint at Tottenham and became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
      The former England international also registered 44 goals in just 57 caps for his national team
      THE BEST
      Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher called Jimmy Greaves the best goalscorer “we have seen”.
      Carragher also paid tribute to the legendary Saint & Greavsie show, which he described as the best ever football show.
      Greaves used to co-host a popular football show with fellow footballer Ian St John

      TRUE LEGEND
      Glenn Hoddle described fellow Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves as “a true legend of the game”.
      Hoddle tweeted: Such sad news this morning on Jimmy’s passing .
      “A true legend of the game , love and thoughts to all of Jimmy’s family”
      ARDILES STATEMENT
      Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles said fellow club legend Jimmy Greaves “epitomises” what Spurs are all about.
      Ardiles tweeted: “RIP Jimmy. Great player, great man. Very funny. Humble. Jimmy epitomises what Spurs is: “To dare is to do”…
      “”When you come to meet the great goalscorer in heaven it matters not if you win or lose but how you played the game”.
      “My prayers and thoughts with his family and friends”
      ARSENAL RESPECTS
      Arsenal are “deeply saddened” after hearing the news of Tottenham great Jimmy Greaves’ passing.
      The Gunners stated that their thoughts are with Greaves’ family and friends.
      Here’s what the north Londoners tweeted:

      MORE FROM FA
      The FA also paid tribute to Jimmy Greaves’ success in the FA Cup, a trophy he won twice.
      The statement read: “Greaves scored in their [Tottenham] 1962 FA Cup Final victory over Burnley at Wembley and while he didn’t score in Spurs’ 1967 Final victory over Chelsea, he was the competition’s top scorer in that season with six goals from his eight appearances.
      “In total, he netted a remarkable 42 goals in 57 appearances in the FA Cup during his career.
      “Following his retirement, Greaves became known to a new generation of football fans in his position as a TV presenter on the ‘Saint and Greavsie’ weekly magazine show.
      “Manor Park-born Greaves was awarded an MBE for his services to football in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list, alongside his former England teammate Ron Flowers”
      CHELSEA TRIBUTE
      Chelsea paid a touching tribute to club great Jimmy Greaves.
      Greaves enjoyed major success at the Blues where he spent four years after earning promotion from the youth side.
      In total, the legendary centre-forward notched 124 league goals in 157 top-flight appearances for the west Londoners.
      The England international left Chelsea in 1961 for AC Milan

      FA STATEMENT
      The FA paid tribute to Jimmy Greaves’ long list of accomplishments.
      “We’d like to express our sorrow at the sad news of former England international and FA Cup winner Jimmy Greaves’ death.
      “The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United striker was one of the most successful players of his generation and his passing at the age of 81 was announced today.
      “A member of England’s World Cup winning squad in 1966, he won a total of 57 caps and scored 44 goals for the Three Lions between his debut in 1959 and his final appearance in 1967.
      “That ratio makes him the fourth-highest goalscorer in England records and the only player to have scored six hat-tricks for the Three Lions.
      “He’s also Spurs’ highest scorer with 266 goals and the highest-scoring player in the top flight of English football, with 357 goals to his name”
      BECKHAM REACTS
      Manchester United great David Beckham paid tribute to fellow legend Jimmy Greaves.
      Beckham described Greaves as one of the players he loved watching in action when he was young.
      The former England international also stated he was one of his grandfather’s favourites.
      Beckham shared the following story on his Instagram:

      WEMBLEY PLANS
      England manager Gareth Southgate announced that England will pay tribute to the legendary Jimmy Greaves before their match with Hungary at Wembley Stadium next month.
      Southgate said: “Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.
      “I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy’s family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday. My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.
      “Jimmy certainly deserves inclusion in any list of England’s best players, given his status as one of our greatest goalscorers and his part in our 1966 World Cup success.
      “We will pay tribute to his memory at our home match with Hungary at Wembley Stadium next month. His place in our history will never be forgotten”
      MAN UTD TRIBUTE
      Manchester United paid tribute to football legend Jimmy Greaves.
      United shared Tottenham’s touching statement about their club hero’s passing at age 81.
      The Red Devils shared their condolences and described the former England international as an “all-time great of English football”.
      More below:

      UEFA STATEMENT
      UEFA shared a touching message following news of Jimmy Greaves’ death.
      The football governing body paid special respects by looking back at how Greaves helped Tottenham become the first English club to win a UEFA trophy in 1963.
      More below:

      TRUE LEGEND
      Tottenham superstar Harry Kane expressed his respect and admiration for fellow great Jimmy Greaves.
      Kane shared a picture of a meeting they had not too long ago and described him as a “true legend”.
      The England captain also said his thoughts are with his family and friends

      SHEARER TRIBUTE
      Newcastle great Alan Shearer paid tribute to fellow goalscoring legend Jimmy Greaves.
      Greaves is remembered as one of the greatest strikers in the history of English football

      FERDINAND REACTS
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand shared his condelences to Jimmy Greaves’ family.
      Ferdinand tweeted: “Big loss to the footballing world.. sending my condolences to the Greaves family.
      “First autobiography I ever read! Inspiration”
      WRIGHT TRIBUTE
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright took to social media after learning of Jimmy Greaves’ passing.
      Wright described how he was urged to copy Greaves when he was a youngster and started his career.
      The former striker tweeted: “The first footballers name I ever heard from my teacher. ‘No Ian! Finish like Jimmy Greaves’.
      “May he rest in peace”
      WEST HAM STATEMENT
      West Ham have paid tribute to club legend Jimmy Greaves.
      Greaves spent a year at the Hammers following a move from Tottenham in 1970.
      The west-Londoners issued the following statement:

      ENGLAND ISSUE STATEMENT
      England have released the following statement following news of legendary footballer Jimmy Greaves’ death:
      “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Greaves at the age of 81.
      “Jimmy was part of our World Cup-winning squad and scored a remarkable 44 goals in 57 games for the Three Lions.
      “All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs”
      NEVILLE TRIBUTE
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville paid tribute to Jimmy Greaves.
      Neville shared a picture of Greaves and Ian St John to honour both of their memory.
      The defender issued the following tweet after news broke of his death:

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      in Motorsport

      Jorge Lis dead at 46: Ex-motorcyclist who refused Covid vaccine dies of coronavirus after six weeks in intensive care

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      A FORMER Spanish motorcycle rider who refused to take the Covid vaccine has died from coronavirus, aged 46.Jorge Lis, who had embraced Covid denial theories during the pandemic, came runner-up in the Spanish 125cc category in 1996.
      Former motorcycle rider Jorge Lis has passed away after a six-week battle in hospitalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lismotoagent/?hl=en
      He later went on to become an agent for motorbike riders and coaches, but his life was tragically cut short due to coronavirus after six weeks in intensive care.
      Last month, his sister Elena revealed a WhatsApp message she had received from him on July 13 in which he stated his regret at not getting the vaccine.
      It said: “This week was suddenly one of my biggest life lessons.
      “Spending a lot of time on Twitter etc. had radicalized me to the extreme. I should have been vaccinated.”
      Just a few days after the message, Lis was admitted to hospital.
      Elena also released a letter urging for everyone in the country to get the vaccine.

      Ana Barcelo, a councillor for health of the Valencian Community, sent his condolences following Lis’ death.
      He also praised Elena’s decision to send a public letter to the people of Spain urging them to take the vaccine.
      Barcelo said: “Sadness for the news of Jorge’s death. The testimony of his sister helps to save lives.”
      Spain’s coronavirus death toll has crept above 85,000, while the global number of deaths from Covid is now more than 4.5million.
      Olympic boxer and European bronze medallist Vasile Belous dead at 33 after car crash in Moldova More

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      in Soccer

      How Jack Charlton went from working down the mines as a teen to England World Cup hero & falling asleep meeting the Pope

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      HE was a footballing giant known as a World Cup hero in two countries.
      Jack Charlton, whose death at 85 was announced yesterday, lifted the Jules Rimet trophy with England in 1966 and went on to manage the Republic of Ireland to their most memorable games in the tournament.

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      Jack Charlton, brother of Bobby Charlton (right), has died aged 85Credit: PA:Press Association

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      The footballing legend was known as a World Cup hero in two countries Credit: Getty

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      Jack’s family announced his passing on Friday following his battle with dementia and lymphomaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jack died on Friday with his family around him at his Northumberland home following a battle with dementia and lymphoma.
      It means just five of England’s starting XI from 1966 are still with us. They include his younger brother Sir Bobby, 82.
      The world of football and beyond paid tribute yesterday to a man known not only for his presence on the pitch but for his character and his humour off it.
      A statement from the England squad read: “We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away.

      “Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Jack Charlton was a football great whose achievements brought happiness to so many.”
      Irish president Michael D Higgins said: “He leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership of a group of players of diverse talents which he moulded into the successful team that captured the imagination of the nation.”
      And Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, added: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton, who brought such honesty and joy to the football world.

      He personified a golden era in Irish football — the Italia 90 campaign being one of pure joy for the nation. He gave us magical memories. Thank you, Jack.”
      ‘POPE WOULD HAVE F***ING SAVED THAT’
      Born in 1935 in Ashington, Northumberland, Jack, who made 35 appearances as a defender for England, worked down the mines as a teenager before going for a trial at Leeds United.
      He had grown up in a footballing family — his mother was cousin to Newcastle great Jackie Milburn, while his uncles Jack, George, Jimmy and Stan all played professionally.
      He once said: “It left me no choice but to be a footballer.”
      He spent his entire 21-year playing career at Leeds, making a club record 773 appearances.
      Before retiring, in 1973, he had won every domestic honour going, including the league in 1969.
      Leeds United Supporters’ Trust tweeted yesterday: “Another massively sad day for the fans and club as we lose another legend. RIP Big Jack.”
      After his playing days, Jack went on to carve out a successful managerial career, twice leading the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the World Cup in the Nineties.
      And for many, it will be Charlton’s legendary adventures with the team that will be remembered as much as his 1966 glory. In 1990 he led the Republic to a quarter-final clash with hosts Italy.

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      Jack was born in 1935 in Ashington, NorthumberlandCredit: Collect

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      He worked down the mines as a teenager before going for a trial at Leeds UnitedCredit: Mirrorpix

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      He spent his entire 21-year career playing at Leeds and before retiring, he had won every domestic honour goingCredit: Mirrorpix

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      The footballing legend married his wife Pat in 1958 and they had three children, John, Deborah and PeterCredit: PA:Press Association
      Before the match he joked that if they won they should go to Rome to meet the Pope.
      The next thing, they were swept off for a pre-match visit to The Vatican.
      But the excitement was not enough to keep Jack awake and he drifted off as Pope John Paul II read a lesson for 20 minutes, followed by six other bishops.
      Jack later said: “I found it very hard to stay awake. The Pope was on the third bit of his blessing and he was looking right at me and he had his hand in the air.
      “As I woke up, I thought he was waving at me so I stood up and waved back.”
      During the visit, the Pope also told goalie Packie Bonner he would be keeping a close eye on him in the game as he had been a keeper himself when younger.
      Packie went on to make a howler in the match which allowed Italy to score and win 1-0.

      I loved the bones of the man.
      Mick McCarthy

      After the game, Jack praised the team and told Packie to get into the shower.
      As he trudged off, Jack lit a cigarette, turned to midfielder Andy Townsend and said: “The Pope would have f***ing saved that.”
      Jack also led Ireland to the 1994 World Cup in the US, where they got their revenge on Italy with a 1-0 win. When he resigned in 1995, it brought to an end a remarkable era.
      Last night the Irish FA, paid tribute to “the manager who changed Irish football for ever”.
      Former Ireland striker John Aldridge added: “What a football man. Loved and adored. The best manager I was lucky to play for.”
      Paul McGrath tweeted: “Father figure to me for ten years, thanks for having faith in me.”
      And Mick McCarthy, who captained Ireland at Italia 90, said: “I loved the bones of the man.”
      Despite his success, Jack remained humble, keeping his 1966 medal, and a set of World Cup coins with the players’ faces on, in a coal bucket next to his fireplace.
      Jack was awarded an OBE in 1974, but was never knighted, as his brother and fellow World Cup winner Bobby was.

      David Beckham paid tribute to the legendary sportman

      Prime Minister Boris Johnson saluted Jack and offered his sympathies

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      A statement from the England squad said the team was devastated by his passing

      ENGLAND’S WORLDCUP STARTING XI

      DIED
      Gordon Banks (1937-2019, 81)
      Jack Charlton (1935-2020, 85)
      Bobby Moore (1941-1993, 51)
      Ray Wilson (1934-2018, 83)
      Alan Ball (1945-2007, 61)
      Martin Peters (1943-2019, 76)
      Manager, Alf Ramsey (1920-1999, 79)
      SURVIVING MEMBERS
      George Cohen, 80
      Nobby Stiles, 78
      Bobby Charlton, 82
      Geoff Hurst, 78
      Roger Hunt, 81

      It was an omission that baffled many. Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton last night said: “He was a larger-than-life character.
      “The word legend is used too much in football but not for Jack — for what he’s done domestically with Leeds, winning the World Cup, which he should have been knighted for.
      “I’ve still never understood that. I think that’s an absolute disgrace.”
      Big Jack, who famously appeared in a 1995 Shredded Wheat advert, was also remembered for his kindness, philanthropy and bluff one-liners.
      When he caught one of his Ireland players drinking coke, he would reprimand them, saying: “What are you drinking that s**t for? Guinness is better for you.”
      ‘TYPE OF PLAYER YOU NEED TO WIN WORLD CUP’
      The keen fisherman also had the mantra: “Nothing is given to you. You’ve got to work for it.”
      Lady Elsie, the widow of his pal Sir Bobby Robson, said: “Jack was a great friend and a wonderful supporter of our cancer charity, The Bobby Robson Foundation.
      “He’d come out to events and meet with fundraisers and people were always so thrilled to meet a World Cup winner. He had such a way about him. He’d just make us all smile.”
      The Bobby Robson Foundation added: “Jack Charlton was a great football man, a great supporter of our work and a great friend to Sir Bobby.”
      He is survived by wife Pat, who he married in 1958, and their three children, John, Deborah and Peter.
      A family statement said: “As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
      “We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
      “He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
      “His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”
      Granddaughter Emma Wilkinson added: “He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. Our family will miss him enormously.”

      As a mark of respect, there was a minute’s silence before every Premier League match yesterday and the players wore black armbands. It will be same for games today.
      Jack’s England team-mate, Sir Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of that 1966 final, said yesterday: “Jack was the type of player and person that you need in a team to win a World Cup.
      “The world of football and the world beyond football has lost one of the greats. RIP old friend.”

      Jack Charlton dead at 85 – England 1966 World Cup winner, Leeds United legend and Ireland favourite passes away
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