Fomer Chelsea goal keeper Peter Bonetti
Former Chelsea and England shot stopper Peter Bonetti who has been in the sick bed for some time now is dead, he was described “goalkeeping superstar of the 1960s and 1970s” by Chelsea. He was also “one of our indisputably all-time great players”.
The former Chelsea man was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad but was unused throughout the tournament. Bonetti made seven England appearances and featured in the 1970 World Cup quarter-final defeat by West Germany. Peter Bonetti played 729 matches for Chelsea, and he also played for American side St Louis Stars, Dundee United and Woking FC.
Only one player in Chelsea has played more matches than him, and the player is former Chelsea captain Ron Harris. Bonetti has more clean sheets than any other Chelsea goal keeper until in 2014 when Petre Cech surpassed him. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s FA Cup final victory over Leeds United in 1970.
The former Chelea goal keeper was known for his superhuman attempts to thwart the opposition in front of a TV audience of more than 28m people in the UK. Peter Bonetti also won the League Cup in 1965 and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971 with Chelsea.
Bonetti was nicknamed ‘The Cat’ by former team-mate Ron Tindall, he was voted runner-up in the 1969-70 Footballer of the Year award. FA Chairman Greg Clarke was shocked with the news of his death as he said: “I am very saddened to hear that Peter Bonetti has passed away.
“Of course, he served Chelsea to distinction over many years, and as a young boy I can remember watching his superb performance in their 1965 League Cup win against Leicester City. My thoughts are with his family and friends today,” he concluded.
Peter Shilton, England’s most capped player, also paid tribute to Bonetti. He worked on Twitter: “I was in the 1970 World Cup squad with Peter as a lad he was a hero of mine a tremendous player and a true gentleman. RIP Goalie.” Former Chelsea captain John Terry also expressed his pain as he said: “I’m heartbroken. A Chelsea legend and hero.”