Arsenal and Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy dies aged 70

File photo dated 13-01-1973 of Ray Kennedy scores the first goal for Arsenal during their 2-2 draw with Leicester City. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
File photo dated 13-01-1973 of Ray Kennedy scores the first goal for Arsenal during their 2-2 draw with Leicester City. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
PA
Samantha Haynes

By Samantha Haynes


Published: 30/11/2021

- 17:03

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:01

A statement on the official Twitter account of the England team: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Kennedy at the age of 70. Ray won 17 caps for the #ThreeLions between 1976 and 1980, scoring three times'

Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced.

Kennedy won three European Cups and five league titles with the Reds, whom he joined from Arsenal in 1974 having done the league and FA Cup double with the Gunners three years earlier.


A personal highlight was his pivotal away goal in the 1981 European Cup semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-fc-mourns-passing-ray-kennedy

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1984 and a testimonial game between Liverpool and Arsenal was held in 1991.

File photo dated 20-10-1973 of Arsenal's Ray Kennedy shoots towards the Ipswich Town goal, only to hit the cross-bar. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
File photo dated 20-10-1973 of Arsenal's Ray Kennedy shoots towards the Ipswich Town goal, only to hit the cross-bar. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
PA

Later that year he sold his medals and 17 England caps to help raise funds for his care.

A statement on Liverpool’s official website read: “The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool FC are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge pair tribute to Kennedy, tweeting: “Yet another magnificent Ex LFC star has passed away folks.

“Ray Kennedy what a player and lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson’s disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray ynwa.”

File photo dated 04-06-1977 of Scotland captain Bruce Rioch is chased by England's Ray Kennedy in a match at Wembley. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
File photo dated 04-06-1977 of Scotland captain Bruce Rioch is chased by England's Ray Kennedy in a match at Wembley. Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70, the Merseyside club have announced. Issue date: Tuesday November 30, 2021.
PA

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson tweeted: “More sad news with the passing of Ray, what a great player and such a wonderful team-mate RIP pal YNWA.”

Jan Molby tweeted: “RIP Ray Kennedy // Maestro #LFC #Legend.”

A statement on the official Twitter account of the England team read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Kennedy at the age of 70. Ray won 17 caps for the #ThreeLions between 1976 and 1980, scoring three times.

“All of our thoughts go out to his family, friends and former clubs.”

Former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock said on Twitter: “Sad to hear the passing of Ray Kennedy today what a player this fella was thoughts are with his family and friends #lfc.”

Ronnie Whelan described his former team-mate as “an absolute legend at both Arsenal and Liverpool”, adding on Twitter: “Learned so much by watching him play. RIP Ray.”

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