England mourns former captain Armfield - ENGLAND
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Former England captain Jimmy Armfield has died at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.
The Blackpool legend made 43 appearances for the Three Lions, 15 of them as captain, starred at the 1962 FIFA World Cup™ and was an unused squad member when England won the Trophy four years later. He was awarded a winner’s medal in a special ceremony in 2009.
Armfield played his entire club career for Blackpool, making a staggering 627 appearances for the Seasiders, and went on to manage Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United. More recently, he was a respected football pundit with the BBC.
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A Blackpool statement read: "Blackpool Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its record appearance holder and vice-president Jimmy Armfield at the age of 82. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jimmy's wife Anne, his two sons, Duncan and John, and the rest of the Armfield family at this time."
The Armfield family also released a statement, saying: "After a long and courageous battle, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law Jimmy Armfield, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.
"We have many wonderful messages of love and support, for which we are grateful, and moved by all the kind words. We would also like to thank all the magnificent and dedicated NHS staff who have kept Jimmy, and the family, as well as possible over the ten years of his illness.
"Jimmy had two great loves, first and foremost was his family, to which he was devoted and loved dearly. The other was football, especially Blackpool, England, and his colleagues at the PFA.”