Manchester City, the defending champions of the English Premier League, announced today, Monday, the passing of Francis Lee, a former England international and City striker who later became the club's chairman, at the age of 79. The club stated in a release, "With great sadness, we announce the death of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee. (Franny) passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. His family thanks everyone who sent condolences and messages of support."
Lee joined City from Bolton Wanderers in 1967 and helped the club win the league title in his first season. During his seven seasons at Manchester City, Lee also won the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup. He appeared in 330 matches for City across all competitions and scored 148 goals, later moving to Derby County where he won the league title again in his first season with the new club. The striker, who began his career at Bolton Wanderers, scored ten goals in 27 appearances for the England national team. He returned to City as chairman from 1994 to 1998.
