Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Denis Law dies aged 84
Former Manchester United star Denis Law has passed away at the age of 84, his family has announced in a statement.
The Scottish legend 'fought a tough battle' before his death, according to his loved ones who shared the sad news on Friday (17 January) evening.
A statement issued by Law's relatives read: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away.
"He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
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"We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."
Law was the last surviving member of the 'United Trinity' - which also included George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton - who helped United become the first ever English club team to win the European Cup in 1968.
The former footie ace - who bagged 237 goals for the club during his 11 year tenure - was known as 'The King' by fans thanks to his prowess on the pitch.
His scoring record throughout his 404 appearances puts him third on United's all-time list, behind only Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Law, from Aberdeen, Scotland, won two league titles with the team and was also a member of the European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968, when the Red Devils became the first English club to lift the trophy.
In a statement shared regarding his passing, United said: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."
Two statues dedicated to Law already stand at Old Trafford, one of which is situated on the Stretford End concourse, while the ‘United Trinity’ monument sits outside the stadium.
Despite his small physique, the striker excelled thanks to his electric-pace and fearless attitude throughout his 18-year sporting career - which included spells at Huddersfield, Manchester City and Torino.
Law, who was capped 55 times by Scotland, made his senior debut aged 18 in 1958, before he made his first record-breaking transfer to Man City in 1962.
His move to Italian club Torino in 1961 was also unparalleled at the time.
The forward and keen fisherman, who remains his country’s joint all-time leading scorer with 30 goals alongside Kenny Dalglish, ended his career for good in 1974.
Law is the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d'Or award, which he was bestowed with in 1964.
Tributes for the footballer have been flooding in from fans on social media.
Former Man U teammate Brian Kidd also shared his condolences, according to FourFourTwo editor Andy Mitten.
Reiterating the former-striker-turned-coach's tribute, Mitten wrote in post on X: "He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.
"'He said to me: 'If you're ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault'. He was usually there.
"'Sir Matt loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End'."
Olivia Burke