Leeds United legend Norman Hunter has died after contracting the coronavirus, the Championship club said in a statement on Friday. He was 76.
A centre-back, Hunter won two league titles with Leeds and the FA Cup over a 14-year period. His uncompromising playing style earned him the nickname "Bites Yer Legs," and he was part England's World Cup-winning squad of 1966.
"Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club icon Norman Hunter at the age of 76," Leeds said in a statement on their website.
"Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning."
Hunter was one of the best defenders of his generation, winning the first Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award in 1974. He left Leeds in 1976 to join Bristol City and later went on to manage Rotherham United.
He remained part of Leeds in his retirement and attended the Championship leaders' victory over Huddersfield last month.
Leeds' statement added: "Hunter amassed a huge 726 appearances for Leeds United over a 14-year period, the club's most successful to date, earning the infamous nickname 'Bites Yer Legs.'
"He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family, his legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time."
English football is suspended following the coronavirus outbreak, with no confirmed date for its return.