Legendary footballer Martin Peters dies aged 76
West Ham and England legend Martin Peters passed away at the age of 76, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The former midfielder is best known for scoring for England in the 1966 World Cup final – as the Three Lions beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley.
In 1970, with his transfer from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur in, he became Britain’s first £200,000 footballer.
He also played for Tottenham, Norwich and Sheffield United, scoring 174 goals during his club career and 20 for England.
A statement on the West Ham website said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce that Martin passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4.00 am this morning”.
A statement by his family said, “A beloved husband, dad, and grandad, and a kind, gentle and private man, we are devastated by his loss but so very proud of all that he achieved and comforted by the many happy memories we shared.
We will be making no further comment and kindly ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this extremely difficult time.”
Football world and fans mourn the passing away of Peters, who was known as “the complete midfielder” as he could pass the ball well with either foot, which was too good in the air and difficult to mark because of his movement.
Peters’ 1966 teammate, Sir Geoff Hurst, in a tweeted says that it was a “very sad day for football and for me personally”.
Today is a very sad day for football & for me personally Martin Peters was one of the all time greats & a close friend and colleague of mine for in excess of 50 years. A fellow World cup final goalscorer & my West Ham partner for years along with Bobby Moore RIP old friend.
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 21, 2019
Here is how social media reacting to Martin Peters death:
Very sad news. No England fan will ever forget the heroics of Martin Peters and his fantastic teammates. My sympathies go out to all of those who knew and loved him. https://t.co/Jn5Jykam7b
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 21, 2019
We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martin Peters MBE, scorer of the #ThreeLions’ second goal in the 1966 @FIFAWorldCup final, at the age of 76.
Our thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/0P2aDVRmzZ
— England (@England) December 21, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of club legend Martin Peters. https://t.co/69IazGy1ZW
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 21, 2019
We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Peters. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/fwvwRQajWd
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 21, 2019
RIP World Cup winner Martin Peters, MBE.
He will forever be remembered.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/GKocWcNmAf
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 21, 2019
Sorry to hear that Martin Peters has passed away. One of our World Cup winning heroes. A great player and a true gentleman.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) December 21, 2019
RIP Martin Peters, 76.
World Cup winner & gentleman. pic.twitter.com/OUw9m0R0My— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 21, 2019
Born Plaistow 1943, Martin Peters made 364 appearances for West Ham and scored 100 goals.
European Cup Winners Cup Winner 1965, Hammer of the year Winner 1965, World Cup Winner 1966.
R.I.P
— VINNYWHUFC (@vinnywhufc) December 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/danredford70/status/1208436110210285569
So sorry to hear about the passing of England & West Ham legend Martin Peters. #RIPMartin. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/lekb2ozUpG
— Tony Cottee (@TonyCottee9) December 21, 2019