Ray Wilkins has passed away at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack last weekend.
Wilkins was placed in an induced coma and was taken to St. George’s Hospital in Tooting, London but tragically died on Wednesday.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder had become one of the most popular pundits in football and regularly contributed to Sky Sports and talkSPORT.
“Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed,” Chelsea’s official Twitter account posted.
Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed. pic.twitter.com/cSDhloOPDZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2018
Wilkins won 84 caps for England and had the honour of playing at two World Cups.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have learnt that former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has passed away, aged 61,” the PFA said in a statement. “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with his family and friends.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Wilkins on social media since the awful news broke.
So very saddened by the news of the death of former England player Ray Wilkins. Got to know him during his time with @RangersFC – more lately a colleague @SkySportsNews and @talkSPORT. Will miss him. Will miss him a lot.
— Jim White (@JimWhite) April 4, 2018
The #EFL are deeply saddened to learn of Ray Wilkins' passing.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP.#FootballFamily pic.twitter.com/d3TkELppMj
— EFL (@EFL) April 4, 2018
Everybody associated with Aston Villa Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, Ray Wilkins.
Rest in peace, Ray. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/fk2uzGgseR
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 4, 2018
There are times when I hate the world – hate the injustice of it all. Right now is one of those times. Why? Why? Ray was one of the nicest guys ever to walk the planet. I loved that guy. Thoughts with everybody in the Wilkins family. RIP my friend. 💙
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) April 4, 2018
RIP Ray Wilkins, 61.
England football legend & one of the nicest men in the game.
Very sad news. pic.twitter.com/cI9WwxHfUZ— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 4, 2018
Sad and chocked to hear of the passing of Ray Wilkins. A true football person with a totally underestimated contribution to our sport. One of the best I’ve seen. My thought are with his family. Rest in peace #RayWilkins @ManUtd
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) April 4, 2018
We’re devastated to hear the news that Ray Wilkins has passed away at the age of 61.
Wilkins made 84 appearances for the #ThreeLions, and was assistant manager of our Under-21s between 2004 and 2007.
We will miss you, Ray. pic.twitter.com/kZJWipsvTq
— England (@England) April 4, 2018
With a "handkerchief in his jacket pocket and shoes from Carnaby Street", MU players were unsure of Ray Wilkins when he joined in '79. "He never scored or made the killer pass," said Gordon McQueen. "Yet the season he left to go to AC Milan, he was fantastic, our best player” RIP
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) April 4, 2018
So upset to hear the news of Ray Wilkins. RIP Ray. Even when Ray left villa, he was always ringing me offering advice and telling me what I could do to improve. A true gentleman and one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. 😢😢❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/SO6FydGMlQ
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) April 4, 2018
Such terrible news about one of the genuine good guys in football. RIP Ray Wilkins pic.twitter.com/63P4XB0BPM
— Paul Gilmour (@skysportspaulg) April 4, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. A wonderful footballer and a delightful man. It was a pleasure to have played alongside him with England. No teammate was more helpful and supportive. I’ll be forever grateful. Thoughts are with his family. #RIPRay
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 4, 2018
