The footballing world has paid tribute to legendary striker Jimmy Greaves who has sadly died.
Tottenham announced that Greaves had passed away at the age of 81.
The former striker was a legend at both club and international level in a career that stretched 23 years between 1957 and 1980.
He remains Spurs’ record goalscorer and netted 44 goals in just 57 games for England.
Greaves started his career at Chelsea and was prolific at the club and also had spells at AC Milan and West Ham.
He was a much loved footballer and later TV personality starring alongside former Liverpool striker Ian St John in the popular ITV programme ‘Saint and Greavsie’ between 1985 and 1992.
Tributes have flooded in from across the football community.
England and Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who has the second-highest total of goals scored for Spurs behind Greaves, tweeted: “RIP Jimmy Greaves. A true legend and one of the great goalscorers.
“Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Mauricio Pochettino posted on Instagram: “I am so sorry to hear the news of Jimmy Greaves today, a true football legend. My condolence to all his family and friends around the world.”
Ex-Spurs midfielder Micky Hazard wrote on Twitter: “Today we lost our greatest Jimmy Greaves.
“Words cannot explain how I feel and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family.
“Heaven has gained our hero and what a Spurs team we have up there. Rest in piece my friend, Jimmy you are simply the greatest Spur ever COYS.”
Ossie Ardiles tweeted: “RIP Jimmy. Great player, great man. Very funny. Humble.
“Jimmy epitomises what Spurs is: ‘To dare is to do’… ‘When you come to meet the great goalscorer in heaven it matters not if you win or lose but how you played the game’.
“My prayers and thoughts with his family and friends.”
Such sad news this morning on Jimmy s passing . A true legend of the game , love and thoughts to all of Jimmy s family . R.I.P.
.
— Glenn Hoddle (@GlennHoddle) September 19, 2021
Glenn Hoddle added: Such sad news this morning on Jimmy s passing.
“A true legend of the game, love and thoughts to all of Jimmy s family. R.I.P.”
England manager Gareth Southgate said on the Football Association website: “Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.
“I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy’s family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday. My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.
“Jimmy certainly deserves inclusion in any list of England’s best players, given his status as one of our greatest goalscorers and his part in our 1966 World Cup success.
“We will pay tribute to his memory at our home match with Hungary at Wembley Stadium next month. His place in our history will never be forgotten.”
talkSPORT will mark the sad passing of the legendary England Striker and Tottenham’s all time leading goal scorer Jimmy Greaves on Monday night from 7pm.
‘English Football Genius’ a tribute to Jimmy Greaves is hosted by Spurs fan and talkSPORT’s Danny Kelly.