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Former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at 72, the Football Association announced.
Clemence, who won three European Cups and five First Division titles during a trophy-laden season at Anfield, was arguably one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
He won 61 games for England, which would undoubtedly have been many more had he not competed with Peter Shilton, who racked up 125, for the No. 1 jersey.
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“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that Ray Clemence passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family,” said a statement from the Clemence family.
“After fighting so hard, for so long, he is now at peace and without pain.
“The family would like to thank you very much for all the love and support you have received over the years.
“We all love him very much and we will never forget him.”
Clemence played 665 games for Liverpool during a long and distinguished career. Credit: Allsport UK / Allsport
Clemence began his career at Scunthorpe United in 1966, where he made 46 appearances for the third division club before Liverpool manager Bill Shankly bought the 18-year-old for £ 18,000 in June 1967.
The young goalkeeper had to bide his time in reserve before replacing Tommy Lawrence permanently during the 1969-70 season.
Clemence made an incredible 665 appearances for the Reds winning five league titles, three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, the European Super Cup, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
He played 336 games without missing a single game from September 1972 to March 1978, while only two players have made more first-team appearances for the club, Ian Callaghan and Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup final at the Parc des Princes turned out to be Clemence’s last game for the Reds before signing for Tottenham for £ 300,000.
Clemence played 240 times for Tottenham. Credit: David Cannon / Allsport
He made his league debut with the Spurs against Middlesbrough in August 1981 and played 240 times for the London club.
The injury forced Clemence to resign from his team position in the 1984 UEFA Cup final victory over Anderlecht, but he was on the bench in a match in which Tony Parks saved twice during the shootout. penalties.
He reached a fifth FA Cup final in 1987 when the Spurs lost to Coventry City and became one of a select group of players to appear in five or more FA Cup finals.
Clemence, seen here in international service in 1972, made 61 appearances for England
During his career at Liverpool and Tottenham Clemence played 61 games for England between 1972 and 1983, a figure that would certainly have been significantly higher had it not been for the presence of Peter Shilton.
An Achilles tendon injury suffered against Norwich in October 1987 forced Clemence to withdraw from the game in 1988. He later joined Tottenham and England’s coaching staff and managed Barnet between 1994 and 1996.
Tributes paid to the cool doorman
England’s players will wear black armbands during the UEFA Nations League game in Belgium on Sunday night and will pay tribute to Clemence before Wednesday’s game against Iceland at Wembley.
Liverpool paid tribute to their former player, saying on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, Ray Clemence.
“Everyone’s thoughts at Liverpool Football Club are with Ray’s family and many friends.
“Rest in peace, Ray Clemence 1948-2020”.
Sir Kenny Dalglish described Clemence as a “true legend”.
“Clem was a fantastic teammate and it’s great to be around,” he said. “I will never forget how he helped me settle in at Anfield. Our thoughts are with the Clemence family. RIP Clem.”
Tottenham tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of legendary former goalkeeper Ray Clemence.
“We extend our condolences to Ray’s family and many friends throughout the game at this sad time.”
Ossie Ardiles, who played with Clemence in Tottenham, tweeted: “It is very sad to hear the news of Raymondo’s passing. He was a great goalkeeper, a wonderful teammate, a friend. He fought this disease to the end.
I miss you. Rest in peace my friend. My family and my thoughts and prayers go out to Vee, his family and friends. “
Clemence’s old rival for England’s number one spot, Shilton, tweeted: “I am absolutely devastated by the sad news that @ RayClem1 has just passed away.
“We were rivals but good friends. Ray was a brilliant goalkeeper with a great sense of humor. I will miss him very much.
I treat like we have kept friends long after we retire. RIP my friend. “
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