England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies, aged 81

The news was revealed in a statement from the Banks family on the club's official website, www.stokecityfc.com.

It said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.

"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.

"We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time."

Presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England's World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon"

England and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling tweeted: "Of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family."

Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke and won 73 senior international caps. He was one of the stars of England's 1966 World Cup triumph against West Germany.

He will always be remembered for a remarkable save he made to deny Brazil superstar Pele four years later in Mexico.

Banks lost the sight in his right eye after being injured in a road accident in 1972 and retired at the age of 34 as a result.

Leicester City, for whom Banks played for much of the 1960s, tweeted: "Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former goalkeeper Gordon Banks OBE, who has passed away at the age of 81."

Leicester City and England defender Harry Maguire wrote on Twitter: "A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks."

Ex-England striker Michael Owen tweeted: "Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81. Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game's true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Rest In Peace."

Peter Shilton, who followed Banks as England number one, tweeted: "I'm devastated - today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon."

Chesterfield FC, where Banks began his career in the late 1950s, tweeted: "The sad news reaches us that legendary former Spireite Gordon Banks has passed away. Gordon, who started his career at Chesterfield, was of course part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team. Our thoughts are with Gordon's family and friends."

England manager Gareth Southgate said on the Football Association website: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's passing.

"An all-time great for England, I was privileged enough to be in his company on a number of occasions.

"It was particularly special to be with him at a Football Writers' tribute dinner last year and wish him well on his 80th birthday.

"Gordon spoke to the room about that incredible save from Pele against Brazil back in 1970 and moments like that from his remarkable World Cup-winning career will continue to linger long in the memory.

"On behalf of everyone connected with England, I send my condolences to his wife Ursula, his family and friends."

The Germany football team's Twitter account posted an image of Banks embracing opposition players on the Wembley pitch in 1966.

"A fierce opponent and a good man. Rest in peace, Gordon Banks," they tweeted.

Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel tweeted: "So sad to hear that Gordon Banks one of my heroes and a true legend in life and football, has passed away. An inspiration, a winner and a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends. #RIPGordonBanks"