Former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Peter Bonetti has died at the age of 78 after losing his battle with a long-term illness.

'The Cat' made a total of 729 appearances for Chelsea during two separate spells at the London club and was also a member of the England squad which won the World Cup in 1966.

He earned nine England caps and eventually collected his World Cup winner's medal in 2009 alongside other non-playing members of the squad.

His death was announced in a statement from Chelsea Football Club on twitter.

They wrote: "Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti. 

"Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long-term illness. 

"All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends."