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Ex-Manchester City striker and chairman Francis Lee has passed away at the age of 79, the club have confirmed. Flags around the Etihad Stadium are flying at half-mast as the football world pays tribute to Lee, who endured a long battle with cancer.
Born in Lancashire, Lee began his professional career with Bolton Wanderers in 1959. The former frontman scored at a prolific rate for eight years before heading up the road to City for a club-record fee.
Lee scored 148 goals in 330 first-team matches for the Sky Blues and became a regular at international level, scoring 10 goals for England and appearing at the 1970 World Cup for the Three Lions.
He hung up his boots in 1976 after a brief spell with Derby County, and Lee had returned to City by the mid-1990s, spending four years as chairman.
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At the time, Lee had also purchased a significant shareholding in the club he starred for as a player, which he held onto until 2007. The Sky Blues marked his passing with an emotional statement on Monday.
“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,” it read.
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“A Club legend in every sense, Francis won one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields during a glittering eight-year spell as a player – a legacy that ensures his position among Manchester City’s all-time greats is secure.
“Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. His 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.”
Bolton Wanderers also shared a brief statement on X, writing: “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.”
While Derby posted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1974/75 title-winner Francis Lee. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.”
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