Manchester United legend Denis Law has died at the age of 84, his family have announced.
Law, who disclosed his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in August 2021, is part of the United Trinity immortalized in a statue at Old Trafford next to George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. To fans, he was affectionately known as The King.
A message released by the Law family on Friday evening stated: ‘It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our father Denis Law. He bravely fought a difficult battle but now he rests in peace.
‘We want to express our gratitude to everyone who played a role in his care and well-being, in the past and more recently. We are aware of the immense support and affection people had for him, and that love was always valued and made a significant difference. Thank you.’
A Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford.
He is United’s third highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.
Manchester United legend Denis Law (pictured) has passed away at the age of 84
Law, posing alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, formed the United Trinity with Charlton and George Best, and the trio have a statue to honour them outside Old Trafford
Law is United’s third-highest goalscorer of all-time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton
Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino.
United also issued a statement on Friday night, saying: ‘Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
‘The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.’
Law was the sixth member of the United squad that won the European Cup under Sir Matt Busby to suffer from dementia.
Charlton, who passed away in October 2023, Nobby Stiles, Tony Dunne, David Herd and Bill Foulkes were also diagnosed before their deaths.
Former United captain Bryan Robson led the tributes to Law on Friday night, saying: ‘We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad.
‘Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his.
‘He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring.
Law (left) and Best (right) won United’s first European Cup together in 1968
Law also scored 30 goals for Scotland and played at the 1974 World Cup
Law was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Years Honours for services to football and charity
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‘I was a little nervous on first meeting him when I joined the club, as with Sir Bobby Charlton. But I had even more respect for Denis once I met him. He was just so warm in his welcome and I had an instant regard for the man he was, and the personality he had.
‘I was lucky enough to work alongside him for so many events in an ambassadorial role and that wicked sense of humour, no matter what the occasion, always shone through. He was always so full of life, and invariably with a cup of tea in his hand.
‘No one could represent what Manchester United stood for better than him: full of flair on the pitch and a gentleman off it.’
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