Jimmy Greaves: World Cup winner in intensive care after family confirm former Spurs and Chelsea striker suffered 'severe stroke'

75-year-old Greaves won 57 caps for England and remains the fourth highest scorer for his country

Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves has suffered a stroke (Getty Images)

Former England and Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves is in intensive care after suffering a "severe stroke" on Sunday, his family have confirmed.

The 75-year-old won 57 caps for England, scoring 44 goals that puts him fourth on the all-time list of English goalscorers having been recently overtaken by current captain Wayne Rooney.

Greaves started his career in 1957 with Chelsea where he scored 132 goals in 169 matches, and after a season with Italian side AC Milan, he joined Spurs in 1961. In a spell that spanned nine season, Greaves scored 268 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions, and he spent two years with West Ham before retiring in 1971.

A statement issued on behalf of Greaves' family read: "Football legend Jimmy Greaves suffered a severe stroke on Sunday May 3, and is in intensive care in hospital.

"His wife, Irene, and four children have asked for privacy during what is a worrying time for the family.

Greaves cored 44 goals in 57 matches for England (Getty Images)

"They will issue a bulletin on his condition when it is appropriate.

"England's greatest ever goal scorer was 75 on February 20, and has been working regularly on the personal appearances circuit in harness with his friend and agent Terry Baker.

"Jimmy had a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery. He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on May 13 at a sell-out ceremony at White Hart Lane.

"This is all we wish to say at the present time."

Greaves recovered from a minor stroke in 2012, but his family have confirmed that his latest illness was "severe" and will release an update once they know more on his condition.

Greaves remain Tottenham's record goalscorer (Getty Images)

Greaves remains Tottenham’s highest ever goalscorers with his tally, and has scored more hat-tricks than any other player for England with six to his name. He was a key part of the famous Spurs side that won the FA Cup in 1961/62 as well as the 1966/67 competition. In 1962/63, Geaves was part of the side that also won the European Cup Winners Cup, but his crowning moment came in 1966 when he was part of the England squad that won the World Cup at Wembley.

Spurs immediately sent their best wishes to Greaves and hoped the club legend makes a "speedy recovery".

"Everyone at the Club wishes Jimmy Greaves a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke yesterday," the club said via their official Twitter account.

"Our thoughts are with Jimmy and his family at this difficult time."