Clubs and figures from across the footballing world have paid tribute to Francis Lee after the death of the Manchester City legend.
Premier League champions City announced their former striker and chairman died at the age of 79 on Monday, after a battle with cancer.
The Lancashire-born icon came through the ranks at Bolton before heading to Manchester in 1967, where he made his name alongside fellow club heroes Mike Summerbee and Colin Bell, who passed away in 2021. Lee won the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup at Maine Road before finishing his career with a successful stint at Derby.
After winning the league once more with the Rams, he retired and later served as City chairman. A successful businessman, he was also awarded an CBE in 2016 for services to football and charity.
City’s statement read: “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 Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals. He 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.
“He would later return to City as club Chairman in 1994, spending four years at the helm.
“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.”
All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) October 2, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis' family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. #bwfc pic.twitter.com/OOYp5x2At7
Francis Lee will be remembered as an all-time great.
— EFL (@EFL) October 2, 2023
Rest in peace, Franny.#EFL pic.twitter.com/cxS8jsb8LC
We're saddened to learn of the passing of Manchester City legend, player and former chairman, Francis Lee.
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 2, 2023
Francis was part of the legendary Cityzens side that won the FA Cup in 1969, and our condolences go out to his friends and family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/s0LNsCefzA
RIP Francis Lee. Legend 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8lpTJqxKdY
— City Talk (@mancity_talk) October 2, 2023
Lee also enjoyed a spell playing for England and a Three Lions statement read: “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.”
Manchester United tweeted: “Sending our sincere condolences to the loved ones of Francis and everyone connected with Manchester City at this terribly sad time.”
Former club Bolton added: “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.”
Derby stated: “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.”
A post from the PFA union said: “The PFA is saddened by the news that former Bolton, Manchester City, Derby and England striker Francis Lee has passed away, aged 79. The thoughts of everyone at the players’ union are with Francis' family and friends.”
Leeds, whose own club legend Norman Hunter once engaged in an infamous punch-up with Lee during a televised match with Derby in 1975, stated: “Everyone at LUFC sends their condolences to Francis’ family and friends at this very difficult time. RIP.”
A post from the official FA Cup account read: “We're saddened to learn of the passing of Manchester City legend, player and former chairman, Francis Lee. Francis was part of the legendary Cityzens side that won the FA Cup in 1969, and our condolences go out to his friends and family at this difficult time.”
