Britain's first £1m football player Trevor Francis dies at the age of 69

• Watch the moment Trevor Francis was revealed to the media after his record-breaking transfer to Nottingham Forest

Trevor Francis, the former footballer who broke Britain's transfer record when he became the first £1 million player in 1979, has died.

A short statement released on behalf of his family this morning by former controller of sport at Central TV Gary Newbon, reads, "Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69.

"He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning.

"On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody.

"We are all very upset.

"He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person."

Francis played for clubs across the country as well as abroad, but broke the £1 million record when he signed for Nottingham Forest from Birmingham City under Brian Clough.

He started his career at Birmingham City where he scored 119 goals in 280 appearances.

And it was at Forest that he scored the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup final.

Birmingham City have released a statement saying, "Blues is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Club legend Trevor Francis, at the age of 69 on Monday 24 July 2023."Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the Club, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented Blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals."Blues sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family and friends."

Nottingham Forest have said, "Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis."A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten."

Pundit Chris Kamara wrote, "RIP Trevor the first million pound player who always looked a million dollars."

Gary Lineker described him as, "A wonderful footballer and lovely man. Was a pleasure to work alongside him both on the pitch and on the telly."

Peter Shilton said he was "a wonderful gentleman and friend."

He played for England 52 times and represented his country at the 1982 World Cup.

The England team social media account wrote that all of their thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs.

He was born in Plymouth before joining Birmingham City youth academy.