Colin Bell, former Manchester City player and club legend who also played for the England National Team, has died at the age of 74. The club had announced on Wednesday, as they expressed their sadness over the passing of the man who was famously called The King.
“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Manchester City legend Colin Bell”.
“Colin Bell passed away peacefully this afternoon after a short, non-Covid related illness, aged 74”, the club’s statement said.
Colin Bell who is regarded as the finest Manchester City player of his generation, made 501 appearances for the club, scoring 153 goals during his 13 years stay with the club. He also played for England, where he had 48 caps and nine goals.
Known as Colin The King, in 2004 fans voted to name a stand inside the Etihad Stadium after him and his name is still sung regularly at matches.
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 48 England caps to his name.
“Our Club has lost a true great. Everyone’s thoughts and best wishes are with Colin’s family,” he added.
He leaves behind wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.