Former England footballer Ray Wilkins has died at the age of 61

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April 4, 2018 1:51 PM

61-year-old football coach Ray Wilkins, who played for Chelsea FC, Manchester United, and AC Milan, died in hospital on Wednesday.

Ray Wilkins has died aged 61.
The former Chelsea and England midfield football player suffered a cardiac arrest last month, was placed into an induced coma, and died on Wednesday.

Former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has died in hospital at the age of 61.

Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest on March 30, was placed into an induced coma at a London hospital, and was in critical condition ever since.

Wilkins began his playing career at Chelsea FC in 1973 and represented the club for six years before transferring to Manchester United.

He returned to Chelsea as a coach in the late 1990s and though he left to gain experience elsewhere, always found himself returning to the west London club.

Chelsea confirmed his death on its official website, stating: "Everybody associated with Chelsea is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins, at the age of 61.

"Ray was a popular and much-loved figure among fans, players and staff throughout his long association with the club. Our thoughts are with Ray’s wife Jackie, children Ross and Jade, and the rest of his family at this sad time."

The Chelsea statement noted that Wilkins was widely regarded as "one of the nicest guys in football," as a "natural leader and student of the game," and is recognised as "the club's youngest ever permanent captain."

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