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”.

Here is how social media reacting to Martin Peters death: