The family of Trevor Francis, former England football striker, announced his death at the age of 69 after suffering a heart attack. Francis began his football career at Birmingham City in 1970 before moving to several clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Sheffield Wednesday. He became the first British player to have a transfer fee of one million pounds (1.28 million dollars) in 1979 when he moved from Birmingham to Forest, scoring the winning goal in the European Cup final against Malmö.
His family stated in a message to British media, "Trevor Francis passed away at the age of 69. He suffered a heart attack in his apartment in Spain this morning." They added, "Everyone is in shock and we are filled with sorrow. He was a legendary player and an incredibly friendly person."
Francis also managed Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham, and Crystal Palace. The Premier League club expressed its sorrow, stating, "Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened by the death of Trevor Francis, a two-time European Cup winner. He was a legend at Forest and we will never forget him as long as we live."
Birmingham City revealed that fans would be able to pay their respects to Francis at St. Andrew's Stadium. The club stated, "Trevor will forever be widely respected as a club legend. The player everyone wanted to watch. He represented the team in 330 matches and scored 133 goals."
Francis earned 52 international caps and scored 12 goals for the England national team between 1977 and 1986. The Football Association expressed its sorrow, saying, "We are saddened by the death of Trevor Francis. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."
Francis won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 and the European Super Cup in 1979 with Forest. He also won the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria in the 1984-1985 season.
