Gordon Banks: England stars pay warm tributes to World Cup-winning goalkeeper
FOOTBALL heroes past and present united to hail legendary England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who has died age 81.
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker, midfielder Paul Gascoigne and current shot-stopper Jordan Pickford all paid tribute to the World Cup winner, who grew up in Tinsley and later lived in Catcliffe.
Gary Lineker called Banks “an absolute hero”, Gascoigne tagged him an “unbelievable goalkeeper and an incredible man” and Pickford paid tribute, as many others have, by sharing a video of Banks’ best-known save, a plunging stop from Brazilian great Pele at the World Cup in 1970.
One of the greatest saves of all time.????
RIP Gordon Banks. A true legend of the game. All my thoughts with your family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/HpgsJPfLUW
— Jordan Pickford (@JPickford1) February 12, 2019
Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 12, 2019So sorry to hear the news of my good friend gordon banks who passed away a few hrs ago myself and ?@Shanewh1tfield? and all at kong events send our condolences what a loss & an unbelievable goal keeper & an incredible man a really true gentleman RIP mate ??xxGAZZAxxx pic.twitter.com/GvkHzb8Dyz
— Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) February 12, 2019There was a warm tribute from Banks’ opponents of that glorious day in 1966, as the German football association joined those paying their respects.