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The club has revealed that Francis Lee, a legendary figure of Manchester City, has passed away at the age of 79.

Lee is highly esteemed as one of City’s most exceptional players in history. He scored 148 goals in 330 matches for the club during a successful eight-year period from 1967 to 1974. In this time, City won numerous trophies including one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, and two Charity Shields.

In addition, he accumulated 27 appearances for the England national team, scoring 10 goals. Furthermore, after departing from City, he achieved additional triumphs with Derby County, contributing to their league title victory in 1975.

Manchester City officially announced the death of Francis Lee, a former player and chairman of the club, at the age of 79. The club expressed their profound regret and heartfelt condolences in a statement.

Franny succumbed to cancer in the early hours of this Monday morning after a protracted struggle. His spouse Gill and offspring Charlotte, Jonny, and Nik express that they deeply mourn his loss and would like to extend their gratitude to everyone for their benevolent remarks.

Lee participating for the England national team against Scotland in 1971 (Getty)

Manchester City expresses their condolences to the friends and family of Francis during this challenging period. As a gesture of reverence, flags at the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are being flown at half-mast.

Lee first started his professional career at Bolton Wanderers. However, he was later recruited by Manchester City manager Joe Mercer, who secured his services for a significant transfer fee of £60,000 in 1967, setting a new record for the club. In 1970, he achieved a historic milestone in Mexico by becoming the first English player to be issued a card at a World Cup.

Following the conclusion of his professional playing career, Lee embarked on a prosperous venture in the toilet roll industry, achieving millionaire status. In 1994, he resumed his involvement with Man City as the club’s chairman, assuming the position for a duration of four years.

He was bestowed the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours list, in recognition of his contributions to football and charity.

Chairman Lee is pictured alongside the newly appointed City manager, Steve Coppell, in 1996. The photograph is from the Hulton Archive.

Bolton Wanderers, Lee’s initial club, expressed their condolences on X, previously known as Twitter, stating: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Francis Lee, a former forward for our team.” Our club extends its condolences to Francis’ family, friends, and loved ones at this challenging period.

Liam Gallagher, the lead singer of Oasis and a devoted Manchester City fan, also expressed his condolences on X by posting: “Rest in peace, Franny Lee.”

Stan Collymore, a former professional footballer who played for Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and the England national team, and currently works as a football pundit, also conveyed his sadness at the death of Lee.

He expressed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Franny Lee. Over the years, we had delightful conversations on this platform and at City, where the club rightfully recognized his esteemed stature. Yet another iconic figure lost prematurely. May Franny rest in eternal peace.

Vincent Kompany, the former captain of Manchester City, expressed his sorrow on social media platform X over the news of Francis Lee’s death at the age of 79. I had the privilege of meeting him and engaging in conversation with him on multiple times, and I will treasure these experiences.

Paul Dickov, another long-standing member of the City community, expressed that the individual in question was a respectable and knowledgeable figure in football, possessing a remarkable sense of humor. The primary motive for my decision to join @ManCity was my profound affection for the club, and I will always be indebted for this opportunity.