Ray Wilkins has died aged 61 following a heart attack. The
England football legend was placed in an induced coma after having a cardiac arrest at his home in Cobham, Surrey, on Wednesday.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder, 61, was rushed to hospital from his home in Cobham, Surrey, last week.
The legendary midfielder, who won 84 England caps during his career, also hit his head as he fell after suffering the heart attack.
A statement from the 61-year-old's family confirmed he died at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London this morning.
In his playing days, Wilkins won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish title with Rangers in 1989.
In a statement, his family thanked staff at St George's Hospital in London where Wilkins had been in a critical condition since the weekend.
The statement said: "We would also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have received from Ray's friends, colleagues, and members of the public.
"Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.
"We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time."
Wife Jackie told the Daily Mirror at the time of his heart attack: “He’s in hospital, he’s had a cardiac arrest and is in intensive care.”
Since news of Wilkinson's death broke, tributes have been flooding in for the football legend across the sporting world.
Chelsea's official account took to Twitter to pay tribute, saying: "Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins.
"Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed."
Manchester United also tweeted: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing."
The PFA added: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have learnt that former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has passed away, aged 61.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with his family and friends."
Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football Association, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear this news.
"Ray Wilkins was a warm and kind-hearted man, who always had time for others. Through his broadcast work later in life he shared his love and knowledge of the game with millions of football fans.
"Before then of course he was a wonderful player who made 84 appearances for England over 10 years, captaining the team on 10 occasions.
"His lifelong commitment to the national team also saw him work with our Under-21s as part of his successful coaching career.
"He played for a number of top clubs including Chelsea, where he will always be most closely associated, Manchester United and AC Milan.
"Such a career underlined his ability as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Ray will be much missed and my thoughts are with his wife Jackie, family and friends."
AC Milan posted: "Goodbye Ray, you will be missed: tonight we're gonna fight like you taught us! RIP, Ray Wilkins."
Burnley Football Club offered their condolences saying: "Burnley Football Club joins the footballing world in expressing our deep sadness at the death of former England midfielder Ray Wilkins."
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “RIP Ray Wilkins. Always so humble & softly spoken whenever I saw him. Genuine lovely guy.
"Watched him live at Loftus Road many times for QPR. What a great passer & teacher of the game for any young kids who watched him."
Wilkins had a double heart bypass last summer.
The combative midfielder, known as “Butch”, was capped 84 times for England and captained his country 10 times.
He played for Manchester United, AC Milan, Rangers and QPR, was an assistant coach for Chelsea and managed QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team.
He also worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and Talksport, and had carried out media duties shortly before suffering the cardiac arrest.
He is survived by his wife Jackie, his two children and six grandchildren.