Francis, Britain’s first million-pound player, dies of heart attack

Jul 24 (Reuters) – Former England striker Trevor Francis, Britain’s first £1 million ($1.28 million) player, has died aged 69 after suffering a heart attack, his family said on Monday.

Francis began his career at Birmingham City in 1970 before moving on to various clubs, notably Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Francis made headlines when he transferred from Birmingham to Forest in 1979 for a million pounds, scoring the winning goal in that year’s European Cup final against Malmo.

“Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack in his apartment in Spain this morning,” said a statement from his family released to British media.

“On behalf of the family, this has been a huge shock to everyone. We are all very upset. He was a legendary footballer, but he was also an extremely nice person.”

Francis won 52 caps and scored 12 goals for England between 1977 and 1986.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Trevor Francis…,” the Football Association said. “We would like to convey our condolences to all of Trevor’s family and friends.”

Francis won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 and the European Super Cup in 1979 with Forest under Brian Clough. He also won the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria in 1984-1985.

“Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of two-time European Cup winner Trevor Francis,” the Premier League club said.

“A true legend of the forest that will never be forgotten.”

Birmingham City said fans will be able to pay tribute to Francis at the club’s St Andrew’s Stadium.

“Trevor will always be revered as a club giant, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented the Blues 330 times, scoring 133 goals,” Birmingham said in a statement.

“Birmingham City send their thoughts and condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.”

Manchester City also offered their condolences to Francis’s family.

“Manchester City are deeply saddened by the passing of our former player Trevor Francis,” City tweeted. “Our thoughts are with Trevor’s friends and family at this difficult time.”

Francis also managed Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.

($1 = 0.7799 pounds)

Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bangalore; Edited by Ken Ferris

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