World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies aged 81

The death of the legendary footballer was announced this morning by his family via his former club Stoke.

The statment said: "We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."

The football legend visited Oxford in 2017 to officially open the £3.5m George Street Hotel and cut the ribbon.

Tributes have began to flood social media in honour of the World Cup hero who was among the star's of England's 1966 World Cup triumph against West Germany.

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He will always be remembered for the remarkable save he made to deny Brazil superstar Pele four years later in Mexico.

We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gordon Banks, World Cup-winning goalkeeper and true legend of the game.

Our thoughts go out to Gordon's family and friends at the time. pic.twitter.com/EQPHzlzTW3

— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) February 12, 2019

Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke and won 73 senior international caps.

This is a sad day. A very very sad day for English football. Gordon Banks was one of our finest goalkeepers the world has ever known. A 1966 World Cup winner. A son of #lcfc . Huge love goes out to his family. #RIPBanksy #RIPGordon

— G. D. H (@georgeoufc93) February 12, 2019

ALSO READ: Five of the greatest goalkeeping saves of all time

Rest in Peace Gordon Banks. #legend #banks #England pic.twitter.com/7Vb1rPh7C6

— OxVox (@Join_OxVox) February 12, 2019

However, he lost the sight in his right eye after being injured in a road accident in 1972 and retired at the age of 34 as a result.

#GordonBanks Rest In Peace, We will never forget your greatest save ever that even Pelé thought he scored! #England pic.twitter.com/1jQu9xi0Sx

— Mātęø 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@MattyGurney75) February 12, 2019

Banks waived his appearance fee in favour of a £1,000 donation to the Alzheimer's Society in support of his fellow teammates suffering with the disease.