Former Manchester United and Scotland forward Denis Law has died aged 84.
In a statement on Friday evening, the Law family said: ‘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.
‘We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.’
In 2021, it was announced that Law had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
A statement from 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.
‘With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
‘The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever.’
Nicknamed ‘The King’ by supporters for his talismanic performances on the pitch, Law was a pivotal figure in the United side that won two First Division titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup in the 1960s.
He remains the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or after he received the award in 1964.
Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for United and a statue of the Scotland forward alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton, known as the ‘United trinity’ which was unveiled in 2002, still stands outside Old Trafford.
Following his 11-year stint at United, Law returned to Manchester City and scored a backheeled goal against United in their final game of the 1973–74 season which saw his former club relegated from the First Division.
Law also scored 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland’s national side.
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