Man City and England legend Francis Lee dies aged 79 after battle with cancer as club pay tribute to former chairman

MANCHESTER CITY and England legend Francis Lee has passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.

The former striker scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Man City.

Francis Lee is a Manchester City and England legendGetty

AlamyLee played for than 300 games for Man City[/caption]

GettyLee received 27 caps for England[/caption]

He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.

Lee, who started his career at Bolton in 1959, also earned 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.

He returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.

The club released a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.

“A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”

It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.

“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.

“More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”

GettyLee took over as Man City chairman in 1994[/caption]

He goes down as an icon of Man CityGetty – Contributor

Lee received a host of individual awards during his career including Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 and the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.

After leaving City, Lee went on to win a second First Division title of his career with Derby in 1975.

He hung up his boots in 1976 when his two-year spell at Derby came to an end.

Bolton also posted a tribute saying: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Lee was a prolific striker throughout his 17-year playing careerGetty