Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died at the age of 79.
Lee, who scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club before spending four years as chairman in 1994, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.
Francis Lee Biography
Francis Henry Lee born 29 April 1944, was an English professional footballer who played as a striker.
He played for Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Derby County and England.
Noted for his speed and determination, he scored more than 200 goals in his career, in which he won League Championship medals with Manchester City and Derby.
In 2010, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
He holds the English record for the greatest number of penalties scored in a season, a feat that earned him the nickname Lee 1 (Pen) because that was the way his name often seemed to appear on the list of goal scores for City in the match results listings in the Sunday papers.
This led to accusations of diving. One such accusation, by Leeds United’s Norman Hunter, led to an on-pitch fight.
In 1966, Lee founded F.H. Lee Ltd, a firm that recycled paper to manufacture products such as kitchen roll and toilet paper. It operated until 2003 and made him a millionaire.
In 1994, he became the major shareholder and chairman of Manchester City, but stepped down four years later.
Francis Lee Age
Francis was born on April 29, 1944, and died on October 2, 2023 (aged 79)
Francis Lee Wife
Francis Lee is married to Gill .
Francis Lee Children
Francis had two children with his wife Gill .
Their two children are Charlotte, Jonny and Nik
Francis Lee Parents
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Francis Lee Siblings
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Francis Lee Family
Mother: Yet to update.
Father: Yet to update.
Siblings: Yet to update.
Wife: Gill Lee
Children: Charlotte, Jonny and Nik
Francis Lee Net Worth
Francis Lee is an English retired professional soccer player and businessman who had a net worth of $18 million at the time of his death.
Francis Lee Cause of Death
Lee died at the age of 79 on 2 October 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee, aged 79,” a City statement read, calling Lee “a club legend in every sense” and one of City’s “all-time greats”.
The statement continued: “Francis’ wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.”
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
“More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
Fond tributes have been paid to Lee by friends, former footballers and pundits on social media.
Former City striker Paul Dickov said: “Such sad news to hear of the passing of Francis Lee. A gentleman, proper football man with a great sense of humour.
“The main reason I signed for Man City with his sheer love for the club & will be forever grateful. Love & condolences to all his family & friends. RIP Mr Chairman.”
City fan and ex-boxing world champion Ricky Hatton said: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Francis (Franny) Lee. What a legend of a footballer & a man in general.
“Never did a man love our club more than this man. On the pitch as a player, off it as a chairman. He was blue through & through.
“Had the pleasure of being in his company so many times. Something I will never forget. A genuine Manchester treasure. Love & condolences to the family RIP Franny the king.”
Former Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore wrote: “Sending sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Franny Lee.”
“Had some lovely chats over the years on here and at City where he rightly had his status acknowledged by the club over the years.
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