Ray Wilkins dead: Former England, Chelsea and Manchester United footballer dies aged 61

Former Chelsea, Manchester United and QPR midfielder died on Wednesday morning

Former England international footballer Ray Wilkins has died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 61.

Wilkins suffered a fall last Wednesday as a result of the cardiac arrest and was rushed to St George’s Hospital in south London. His family announced that he died this morning after being treated for six days.

His family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.

“We would like to thank St George’s staff for the amazing work they have done to care for our beloved Ray.

“We would also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have received from Ray’s friends, colleagues, and members of the public.

“Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.

“We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”

Wilkins represented England 84 times during his career (Getty)

Wilkins, who played for Chelsea, Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers during his 24-year playing career, captained his country during an illustrious international career that saw him win 84 caps for England. He also had spells with AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers, before returning to England to play for Crystal Palace, Wycombe Wanderers, Millwall and Leyton Orient and a second stint in Scotland with Hibernian.

He was also a prominent football pundit, working for both Sky Sports and Talksport, and appeared on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show last Wednesday morning just hours before he suffered the cardiac arrest.

Commonly known as “Butch”, Wilkins made his debut for Chelsea in 1973, aged 17. He would go on to join Manchester United when the Blues were relegated before leaving for continental Europe to play for AC Milan and then PSG.

The footballer captained England 10 times (Getty) (Getty Images)

Known for his passing ability, the midfielder also had two stints at QPR and played for a number clubs before ending his career at the end of the 1997 season at Leyton Orient.

He received an MBE in 1993, and after hanging up his boots, he would go on to coach at a number of clubs, including Chelsea, Fulham, Watford and the Jordan national team.

Numerous tributes were made on social media from clubs, players past and present and other members of the football community, with Wilkins being a hugely popular figure in the game.

Wilkins returned to Chelsea as a coach in 1998 and again in 2008 (Getty)

The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have learnt that former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has passed away, aged 61. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with his family and friends.”

Manchester United tweeted: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing.”

Chelsea said: “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.”

Wilkins’ final coaching role came with Aston Villa in 2015 (Getty)

Aston Villa, where Wilkins held his last coaching role as assistant manager under Tim Sherwood, said: “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.”

Wilkins’ former England teammate Gary Lineker described him as a “wonderful footballer and a delightful man”. He tweeted: “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.”

A statement from Crystal Palace said: “Everybody at Crystal Palace Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and coach Ray Wilkins. Deepest sympathy to all his family at this extremely difficult time.” While Fulham added: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of Ray Wilkins’ passing. Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and friends.”