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West Ham and England legend Martin Peters has died aged 76 after a three year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Peters famously scored for England in the 1966 World Cup final - as the Three Lions beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley.

The midfielder was also famed for being the first £200,000 players, when he transferred from the Hammers to Tottenham.

He also played for Norwich and Sheffield United before retiring from professional football in 1981 - having taken charge of the Blades.

In 2016, it was revealed that Peters had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

A statement on the West Ham website from the Peters family said: It is with profound sadness that we announce that Martin passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4.00am this morning.

"A beloved husband, dad and grandad, and a kind, gentle and private man, we are devastated by his loss but so very proud of all that he achieved and comforted by the many happy memories we shared.

"We will be making no further comment and kindly ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this extremely difficult time.”

Renowned as being the complete midfielder, Peters was good in the air, able to cross with either foot and possessed great movement, being able to drift into goal-scoring positions unnoticed by his markers which would later see him nicknamed 'The Ghost'.

(Image: PA Archive/PA Images) (Image: West Ham United FC via Getty Images)

Peters came through the West Ham academy, having signed as an apprentice in 1959 and went on to help the east London club win the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965.

During his career, Peters made 724 Football League appearances, scoring 175 times - for England he notched 20 times and won 67 caps.

(Image: Mirrorpix)

Along with the World Cup, England's only triumph to date, he lifted the European Cup-Winners' Cup with West Ham, and the League Cup, twice, and UEFA Cup with Spurs.

Hurst led the tributes: "Today is a very sad day for football & for me personally Martin Peters was one of the all time greats & a close friend and colleague of mine for in excess of 50 years.

"A fellow World cup final goalscorer & my West Ham partner for years along with Bobby Moore RIP old friend."

Gary Lineker said: "Sorry to hear that Martin Peters has passed away. One of our World Cup winning heroes. A great player and a true gentleman."

England's official Twitter account said: "We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martin Peters MBE, scorer of the Three Lions' second goal in the 1966 World Cup final, at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Tottenham posted: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Peters. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Tony Cottee said: "So sorry to hear about the passing of England & West Ham legend Martin Peters. #RIPMartin. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time"

Stan Collymore wrote: "Extremely sad to hear of the passing of West Ham, Spurs and England legend, Martin Peters. An English sporting icon and a lovely man who'll be sadly missed. Sincerest condolences to Martin's family and friends."