Ji Armfield, a former England and Blackpool defender, died aged 82 after a long battle with cancer, his family saidmmy.
Armfield, a member of the 1966 World Cup winning team, was diagnosed with cancer for the second time last year.
He made 627 appearances for Blackpool during the course of his career.
Armfield, who was born in Manchester, represented England 43 times, 15 of which he captained.
After retiring from playing in 1971, he became manager of Bolton Wanderers, guiding them to promotion from the Third Division.
Armfield would then replace Brian Clough as Leeds manager in 1974, taking Leeds to the European Cup final, which they lost to Bayern Munich.
They have taken to social media to pay tribute to their former manager: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former LUFC manager Jimmy Armfield. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
In recent years, Armfield has become a well-known analyst, having worked for BBC Radio for 35 years.
A family statement read: “After a long and heroic struggle, our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and father-in-law Jimmy Armfield died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.”
“We are still in disbelief as we begin the grieving process. We understand Jimmy was a public figure, but the family respectfully requests privacy at this time.
“We have received many great messages of love and support, and we are appreciative and moved by all of your nice comments.
“We would also like to thank all of the amazing and dedicated NHS professionals who have kept Jimmy and his family as healthy as possible throughout his ten-year illness.
“Trinity Hospice in Blackpool helped Jimmy pass away pain-free in his final days.”Jimmy had two great loves, first and foremost was his family, to whom he was committed and loved dearly. The other was football, specifically Blackpool in England and his colleagues at the PFA.
“Again, the family expresses gratitude as we strive to adjust to life without Jimmy.”
