QPR legend and former England player Stan Bowles has developed a form of Alzheimer's, his family say.

Bowles, 66, spent seven years at the west London club, winning five caps for his country during two decades as a professional footballer.

But his family released a statement on Saturday to confirm that he has developed the illness, making it difficult to sign autographs for fans.

Stan Bowles, who spent most of his career at QPR, has now been diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer's

Bowles, who won five caps for England and scored once for his country, in action for QPR in the 1970s

'We are writing this on behalf of our father Stanley Bowles,' they wrote. 'We would like it to be known that our father has unfortunately developed a form of alzheimers.

'Consequently he finds it extremely difficult to sign autographs etc. We would be grateful for anyone who comes in contact with our father to show some understanding of his condition.

'We have on behalf of our father been grateful that fans still show interest in him and would be grateful that anything regarding him is played low key.

'We will continue his Facebook page and hope you will continue to share your memories thanking you in anticipation.'

QPR tweeted their best wishes, writing: 'The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stan Bowles following confirmation that he has developed a form of Alzheimer's.'

Bowles, now 66, 'finds it extremely difficult to sign autographs' according to his family

Bowles strides away confidently after netting against Manchester United in January 1974

Martin Peters, Phil Parkes, Bowles, TRevor Brooking, Dave Watson and Duncan McKenzie

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stan Bowles following confirmation that he has developed a form of Alzheimer's... — QPR FC (@QPR) June 20, 2015