Former footballer Worthington denies Alzheimer's claims

Former footballer Frank Worthington denied on Friday he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease - a day after his daughter claimed he was.

Kim-Malou Worthington, daughter of the ex-England and Leicester star, announced on Facebook her father had been battling the disease for "several years".

But a day later, the 67-year-old, who scored 260 goals in 828 appearances over a 25-year career between 1966 and 1991, refuted the claims.

In a statement, he said: "Further to speculation about my health in the last 24 hours I would like to make it clear that I have never been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any other neurological disorder or illness".

The statement added: "I do have some issues with short-term memory impairment but I have been assured this is not particularly unusual for a man of my age.

"I continue to lead a full and active retirement".

On Thursday, Worthington's daughter wrote: "There has been a few wandering about my dad's health recently and so I thought I should let you all know Frank Worthington has Alzheimer's.

"He was diagnosed several years ago and has been holding it off with positive thinking and football".

Throughout his career, Worthington spent successful spells at Huddersfield Town and Leicester City, as well as winning eight caps and scoring twice for England in 1974.

He also had speels with Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Leeds United, Sunderland, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Worthington was top scorer in the First Division in the 1978-79 season.

Over the last 12 months, the families of three England World Cup winners, - Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson - have all spoken of the trio’s struggles with the Alzheimer's.