Former England captain Ray Wilkins died on Wednesday in a London hospital following a heart attack, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) said.
Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday and was admitted to St George’s Hospital, where he was put in an induced coma.
“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 on Twitter.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with his family and friends.”
Wilkins won 84 caps for England between 1976 and 1986.
He played more than 150 times for each of Chelsea, Manchester United and Queen’s Park Rangers, with shorter spells abroad for AC Milan and Paris St Germain (PSG).
“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,” the Premier League club said on Twitter.
In a 20-year coaching career he was manager of QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team, and assistant manager in two spells at Chelsea.
His family released a statement shortly after the news of his passing emerged.
“It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning,” it read.
“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.
