Paul Mariner, former England, Ipswich and Arsenal star, dies aged just 68 after brief battle with brain cancer as the world of football pays tribute to UEFA Cup and FA Cup-winning centre forward
Former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68, the club has announced.
Mariner scored 139 goals in 339 games for Ipswich and was a member of their FA Cup winning side of 1978 and the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1981.
He also earned 35 caps for England and scored 13 times for his country.
‘We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on the 9th of July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer,’ a family statement read.
‘We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages and for the messages that were sent to him, they meant a great deal to him and to us.
Former England and Ipswich centre forward Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68 years old
The Englishman made 35 appearances for his country, scoring 13 goals, and won the UEFA Cup
Mariner’s family have confirmed that the 68-year-old died after a short battle with brain cancer
‘A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will forever be in your debt.
‘Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.
‘Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his great sense of humour, his passion for life and his work.
‘He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him. The Mariner family.’
One of Mariner’s greatest moments came for England came against Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in 1981. The Three Lions needed a draw to qualify for the 1982 tournament, and bagged the winner in a 1-0 victory.
Tributes have poured in for the former centre forward, who forayed into football management and punditry following his retirement in 1993.
A tweet from the England team’s account read: ‘We’re sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.
‘Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.’
A tweet from Ipswich read: ‘We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68. The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.’
Plymouth Argyle tweeted: ‘The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary former striker and manager, Paul Mariner.
‘Paul made 155 appearances, scoring 61 times, between 1973-76, before managing the club between 2009/10. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends.’
Former England team-mate Gordon Hill tweeted: ‘I got the sad news a couple of hours ago of the passing of my very good and close friend Paul Mariner.
‘It is heart breaking to me as we was close. and roomed together in the England team. Rest in peace PM you will always be with me and remembered fondly.’
More to follow.