Football World Mourns As Ex-Chelsea Player and Assistant Coach, Ray Wilkins Dies

Posted by Odinaka on Wed 04th Apr, 2018 - tori.ng

Former Premier League player for Chelsea, has died as tributes have been paid to the former player and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins, who won 84 caps with England.

Ray Wilkins

Former England and Chelsea midfielder, Ray Wilkins, who was being treated at St George's Hospital in London following cardiac arrest, has died in hospital at the age of 61.

According to BBC, the family of Wilkins, who also played for Manchester United, AC Milan, Rangers and QPR, thanked "Ray's friends, colleagues and members of the public" for the many messages of goodwill.

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. pic.twitter.com/cSDhloOPDZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2018

Chelsea said they were "devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach". The club added: "Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed."

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

"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."

The thoughts of everyone here at Arsenal are with the family and friends of English football icon, Ray Wilkins

May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/b53JuLYPlG
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 4, 2018

Wilkins had been working as a TV and radio pundit.

As a player, he won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish league title with Rangers in 1989.

He made 84 appearances for England and captained his country 10 times.

RIP Ray Wilkins. A pleasure to have known you. A true gentleman. Today is a sad day for football. pic.twitter.com/4Jqgzk41jN
— Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) April 4, 2018

Wilkins had spells as manager of QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team.

He was also Chelsea assistant coach from 1998-2000 and then 2008 until 2010, when he worked alongside Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.

Goodbye Ray, you will be missed: tonight we're gonna fight like you taught us!
Ciao Ray, ci mancherai: questa sera lotteremo su ogni pallone come avresti fatto tu!
RIP, Ray Wilkins ðŸ™�ðŸ�» pic.twitter.com/YLokjuXkvD
— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 4, 2018