Scottish forward Denis Law, the former Manchester United player and 20-time English football league champion, has passed away at the age of 84, as announced by his family on Friday.
In a statement, the family said, "With a heavy heart, we inform you that our father Denis Law has passed away with deep sorrow. He fought a tough battle, but he has finally found peace."
Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances during his 11 years at Old Trafford until 1973, ranking third in Manchester United's all-time top scorers list, behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.
He played 55 matches for Scotland, having made his debut at the age of 18 in 1958. He still holds the record for his country's top scorer with 30 goals, tied with Kenny Dalglish. During his time at United, Law won the league title in 1965 and 1967.
A cartilage injury forced him to miss the famous 4-1 victory over Portuguese side Benfica in the European Cup final at Wembley, which made United the first English team to win the cup.
In 2021, Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Manchester United expressed their sorrow over the loss of "the King of the Stretford End," the stand at Old Trafford where a statue of him is located.
The club added, "He will always be celebrated as one of the greatest and most beloved players in the club's history. As the ultimate goal scorer, his passion, spirit, and love for the game made him a hero of his generation."
The club concluded, "Our deepest condolences to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will remain eternal."
