Former Manchester City and England striker Francis Lee has died aged 79, the Premier League club have announced.
Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74.
Who was Francis Lee?
Francis Lee born Francis Henry Lee on 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, Lee became the major shareholder and chairman of Manchester City, but stepped down four years later.
Francis Lee death
On 2 October 2023, Francis Lee died at the age of 79 leaving behind wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
Lee’s death was announced on Monday by City, where he was also its chairman in the 1990s after retiring from playing soccer.
Francis Lee cause of death
Lee died after a long battle with cancer, City said, and described him as a “Club legend in every sense.”
“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee,” it said. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.”
It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 2, 2023
The club has said flags are being flown at half mast around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy as a mark of respect.
Bolton posted on X: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francis Lee at the age of 79. Franny won 27 caps and scored ten goals for the #ThreeLions between 1968 and 1972.
All of our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/NxXJYIXgXB
— England (@England) October 2, 2023
England have also paid tribute to Lee, saying: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francis Lee at the age of 79.
“Franny won 27 caps and scored ten goals for the Three Lions between 1968 and 1972.
“All of our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francis Lee at the age of 79. Franny won 27 caps and scored ten goals for the #ThreeLions between 1968 and 1972.
All of our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/NxXJYIXgXB
— England (@England) October 2, 2023
When is Francis Lee funeral?
As of now, the funeral arrangement of the late Francis Lee has not been disclosed by his family.
Having said that, we are still following up on his death, we will update you as soon as we get important information about Francis Lee funeral service.
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