Former England, Chelsea captain Wilkins dies aged 61
Xinhua,April 05, 2018 Adjust font size:
LONDON, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Former England and Chelsea captain Ray Wilkins on Wednesday died in a London hospital at the age of 61 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The midfielder suffered a fall last Wednesday as a result of the cardiac arrest and was rushed to St George's Hospital in south London. His family announced that he died on Wednesday morning after being treated for six days.
A statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins, at the age of 61."
"Ray was a popular and much-loved figure among fans, players and staff throughout his long association with the club," the statement said. "Our thoughts are with Ray's wife Jackie, children Ross and Jade, and the rest of his family at this sad time."
The former international footballer, known in the game by his childhood nickname "Butch", started his career with Chelsea and spent six years with the Blues, while also having numerous stints as assistant manager. On one occasion, he led the side on a caretaker basis.
Wilkins played 84 times for England between 1976 and 1986.
His playing career also took him to AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Glasgow Rangers and Queens Park Rangers.
He coached Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Jordan as well as becoming caretaker manager at Chelsea when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in 2009. Enditem