Tributes pour in following death of former Liverpool, Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Kennedy

Liverpool are mourning the death of Ray Kennedy, who has passed away aged 70.

The former Reds midfielder lost a battle with Parkinson’s disease, having been diagnosed with the illness almost 40 years ago.

Kennedy’s career

Kennedy moved to Anfield from Arsenal in 1974 for a then-club record of £200,000 and would etch himself into club folklore.

In total, he scored 72 goals in 393 appearances, helping Bob Paisley’s Liverpool win five First Division titles and three European Cups during his eight-year spell.

Kennedy left the Reds for Swansea City in 1982 before joining Hartlepool two years later.

He then had a spell with Cypriot outfit Pezoporikos and non-league Ashington where he retired.

Kennedy was also capped 17 times for England and was part of the Three Lions’ squad for the 1980 European Championships.

He was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson’s in November 1984 at the age of just 33 but fought a brave battle for 37 years before his death.

Tributes paid

Tributes from the footballing world and beyond have poured in for Kennedy.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge called Kennedy a ‘lovely bloke’.

Club statistician Ged Rea believes Kennedy is one of the Reds’ greatest ever midfielder.

Former Anfield midfielder Jan Molby called Kennedy a maestro during his playing days.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who is an Arsenal fan, paid his own emotion tribute.

Many other fans shared similar views.