‘One of the greatest’: Manchester City legend Colin Bell dies at the age of 74
Colin Bell #ColinBell
Manchester City legend Colin Bell has died at the age of 74. The club confirmed the former midfielder passed away in his sleep on Tuesday afternoon after suffering from a “short, non-Covid related illness”.
Bell, nicknamed The King, made 492 appearances and scoring 152 goals for City during a 13-year stay between 1966 and 1979, and also played for Bury at the start of his career and the San Jose Earthquakes in 1980.
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Club chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak led the tributes, saying: “Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players and the very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club.
“I am fortunate to be able to speak regularly to his former manager and teammates, and it’s clear to me that Colin was a player held in the highest regard by all those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or seeing him play. The passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club.
“Colin was incredibly humble and a modest and understated man with an obvious inner strength of character. He was clearly comfortable with who he was and what he had achieved in the game. For the rest of us, there is always the thought of what might have been if injury had not affected his career. Undoubtedly more trophies for City and far more than the 49 England caps to his name.
“Our club has lost a true great. Everyone’s thoughts and best wishes are with Colin’s family.”
Bell is survived by wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.
More to follow …