England 1966 World Cup hero Gordon Banks reveals he has kidney cancer

England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks is suffering from kidney cancer for a second time, the 1966 hero has revealed.

Banks lost one kidney to the disease a decade ago and is now receiving chemotherapy after blood tests showed the other is now affected.

The 77-year-old was named FIFA's goalkeeper of the year six times and in 1970 was awarded an OBE.

He told the Sunday Mirror he became concerned after not being able to sleep due to pain following a holiday in Florida last year.

"I was sent straight to hospital where they told me I had cancer," Banks told the paper.

"I was so shocked when they told me it was my kidney.

"They put me straight on medication and I am taking chemotherapy tablets three times a day for a month and then I am to have two months off them.

"We hope medication will make this cancer small enough for them to operate and carry out electrical treatment to break it up. But if it grows they will have to remove (the kidney) and I'll need a replacement."

Banks is perhaps best remembered for his unbelievable diving save from Brazil striker Pele at the 1970 tournament, and said if could make that save, he would "be able to battle through this health problem".

The former Leicester and Stoke star lost the sight in his right eye in a car crash which ended his 20-year playing career in 1972.

In addition to the World Cup, he won the League Cup with Leicester and Stoke as well as playing in two FA Cup finals with Leicester.