Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy dies, aged 70

The midfielder has been battling Parkinson's for 35 years

Ray Kennedy after winning the 1977 European Cup against Borussia Monchengladbach
Author: Alex UsherPublished 30th Nov 2021
Last updated 30th Nov 2021

Legendary Liverpool midfielder Ray Kennedy has died, aged 70.

Kennedy, who has passed away after battling Parkinson's disease for 35 years, was a key figure in the Reds team that dominated both English and European football in the 1970s.

During his seven and a half year stay at Liverpool, Ray made 393 appearances and scored 72 goals, and it was here he won most of his honours, including five of his league titles.

Kennedy was a very well decorated English footballer, having won six Football League First Division trophies, three European cups and one FA cup, to only name a few.

The midfielder had 17 England caps and was also a part of the 1971 double-winning Arsenal team that won both the FA cup and the league title.

Kennedy left Arsenal and joined the Reds in 1974 on the same day Bill Shankly made his departure from Anfield.

He notoriously scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the 1981 European Cup semi-final, sending the reds through to a European final on away goals which they would then go on to win.

Liverpool FC have tweeted: 'We are mourning legendary former player Ray Kennedy, who has passed away at the age of 70.

The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

Rest in peace Ray, 1951-2021'

Old team mates have joined Liverpool and Arsenal fans on twitter to remember the midfielders legacy.

Former teammate and England captain Phil Thompson tweeted: 'More sad news with the passing of Ray ,what a great player and such a wonderful team mate RIP pal YNWA'.

'Yet Another Magnificent Ex LFC star has passed away folks, Ray Kennedy what a player and lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson’s disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray. ynwa', tweeted former teammate John Aldridge.

The Anfield Wrap tweeted: 'A gentleman and a Liverpool legend who won everything there was to win in his career'.

Another user, of the name Ged Rea, tweeted: 'One of the legendary Liverpool midfielders of any generation. His team mates and opponents knew just how brilliant he was'.

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