Former England, Ipswich Town and Arsenal striker Paul Mariner has died aged 68.
Mariner, who began his career at non-league Chorley, was capped 35 times by England and made appearances at the European Championship in 1980 and the World Cup in 1982.
The former striker won the UEFA Cup and FA Cup during his eight-year stint at Ipswich, where he scored 136 goals in 337 appearances.
Last November, it was reported that Mariner had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour.
A statement from Mariner’s family read: ‘We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on the 9th of July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer.
‘We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages and for the messages that were sent to him, they meant a great deal to him and to us.
‘A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will forever be in your debt.
‘Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.
‘Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and for his work.
‘He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him.’
A tribute from England’s official Twitter account read: ‘We’re sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.
‘Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.’
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