Chelsea legend Peter Bonetti has passed away aged 78 after a long battle with illness.

The former England international, who was affectionately known as The Cat, won seven caps for his country and was part of the Blues side that won the FA Cup in 1970.

Bonetti is the second all-time appearance maker for the Blues after featuring in 729 matches from 1959 to 1979.

A statement from the Blues read: “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.”

Assistant manager Jody Morris paid tribute to Bonetti on social media, writing: “RIP Peter Bonetti, a Chelsea legend and also the goalie coach when I first got into England Under-21s in 1996.”