Legendary Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti passes away at the age of 78

Legendary Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti has passed away at the age of 78 after battling a long term illness, the club has revealed.

Bonetti nicknamed ‘The Cat’, played for Chelsea for nearly two decades and racked up 729 appearances for the Blues from 1959 to 1979 becoming the second-highest all-time appearance maker for the club.

Bonetti won the 1970 FA Cup with Chelsea during his time at the club and made seven appearances for the England national team.

Chelsea’s statement on Bonetti’s death read:

“Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti.

“Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long term illness. All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends.”