Britain’s first million pound footballer Trevor Francis dies of heart attack | Football News

Former England forward Trevor Francis, who was also Britain‘s first one million pound player, has passed away at the age of 69. His family announced on Monday that he died after suffering a heart attack.

Francis began his professional career at Birmingham City in 1970 and went on to play for several prominent clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Sheffield Wednesday.
He made history in 1979 when he was transferred from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest for a then record-breaking fee of one million pounds, making him the first player in Britain to command such a hefty transfer fee.

During his time at Nottingham Forest, he left a lasting legacy by scoring the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup final against Malmo.
Francis was a talented and influential player during his era and will be remembered for his contributions to the sport. His passing is a significant loss to the football community, and he will be deeply missed.
“Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning,” a statement from his family released to British media said.
“On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. 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 from 1977–1986.
“We’re saddened to hear about the passing of Trevor Francis…,” the Football Association said. “We’d like to pass on commiserations 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 1984–85.
“Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis,” the Premier League club said.

“A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten.”
City also offered condolences to Francis’ family.
“Manchester City are deeply saddened at 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.
(With Reuters inputs)