England in mourning: Roger Hunt, former Liverpool and national striker, has died

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28 September 2021 Former Liverpool and England striker Roger Hunt died today at the age of 83. The BBC reports it.

Known as "Sir Roger" among the Reds supporters, Hunt was part of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup at home and is the top scorer in the league for the Anfield club with 244 goals.

The striker made 34 appearances for England, scoring 18 goals for his country after making his debut in 1962, when Liverpool were in the second division of English football.

Hunt played in every game of the 1966 World Cup and scored three goals to help England win their group.

"Roger Hunt is second to none in the history of Liverpool Football Club, that is clear," said Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Born in Golborne, Cheshire on 20 July 1938, Hunt signed for Liverpool in 1958 and made his 492nd and last appearance with the club in 1969 when Kop renamed him "Sir Roger". Under the guidance of legendary manager Bill Shankly he dragged the club into promotion to the Second Division in 1962 by scoring 41 goals in as many games. Liverpool then won the First Division in 1964 and 1966 and the FA Cup in 1965.

Klopp added: "I was told Kop renamed him 'Sir Roger' for all his achievements. A goalscorer who never stopped working to help his teammates; I think he would have fit in well with ours. current team. So, it is Sir Roger that we will remember, honor and pay tribute to in the coming days. "

In an official statement, Liverpool said: "We are mourning the passing of legendary former player Roger Hunt. Everyone's thoughts at Liverpool Football Club are with Roger's family and friends at this sad and difficult time."

Hunt's death follows those of other 1966 champions and comes a few days after that of Jimmy Greaves, who passed away on September 19th. Jacky Charlton and Nobby Stiles died in 2020, Ray Wilson in 2018 and MartinPpeters in 2019. All had Alzheimer's disease. Captain Bobby Moore died in 1993 of cancer at the age of 51 and Alan Ball in 2007 of a heart attack.

Of the 1966 world champion team only Geoff Hurst, very weak from a stroke, George Cohen and Bobby Charlton, also suffering from Alzheimer's disease, are still alive. "Unfortunately, it seems all too common these days for us to say goodbye to the giants of our club," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"On behalf of the European football community, UEFA would like to express its sorrow for the passing of former Liverpool forward Roger Hunt, a key member of England's 1966 World Cup winners. Rest in peace, Roger."

So Uefa in a press release.