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LONDON: Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at 72, his family said on Sunday.
Clemence, living with advanced prostate cancer since 2005, was one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, winning three European Cups and five First Division titles over 14 years at Liverpool.
Clemence, who signed for £ 18,000 from Scunthorpe in 1967, was a key member of the Liverpool team that won the club’s first European Cup in 1977.
He also played in the 1978 and 1981 European Cup finals and won the Uefa Cup in 1973 and 1976.
Clemence also won the 1974 FA Cup and the 1981 League Cup during his time with Liverpool’s team, Bill Shankly, and his successor Bob Paisley.
Clemence left for Tottenham in 1981, at age 32, for a fee of £ 300,000 and won another UEFA Cup and the FA Cup in his seven-year stay in North London.
He is survived by his wife Veronica, son Stephen, a former player and now coach, and daughters Sarah and Julie.
“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.”
Liverpool paid tribute to Clemence on their Twitter account.
“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, ”read a statement.
Clemence won 61 games for England, but would have had many more had he not been competing with Peter Shilton, who racked up 125, for the number 1 jersey.
After retiring in 1988, Clemence served on Tottenham’s coaching staff, managed Barnet and later worked as England’s goalkeeping coach.
“We are very saddened to learn that former Three Lions goalkeeper and coach Ray Clemence passed away at the age of 72,” said a statement from the Football Association.
“All of our thoughts are with Ray’s family, friends and former clubs at this time.”
England’s players will wear black armbands during their Nations League game in Belgium on Sunday and will pay tribute to Clemence before Wednesday’s game against Iceland at Wembley.
