'A true legend of the club': Former Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti dies aged 78

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti has died at the age of 78. Nicknamed 'the Cat' for his innovative playing style, he made 729 appearances for Chelsea across two stints at the club.

Peter was a firm fixture of the club in the sixties and seventies, an FA Cup win in 1970 and a European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph a year later perhaps two of his biggest achievements with the blues.

He even held the record for the most clean sheets until as recently as 2014 when his record was surpassed by Petr Cech.

Peter Bonetti, Chelsea goalkeeper, watches the ball pass the post Credit: PA

Such were his talents that he made it into the England squad for the 1966 world cup as well as the following tournament in Mexico in 1970.

In his first six international appearances he conceded just one goal. In his later years he appeared as a match day host at Stamford Bridge and appeared in goal for the Chelsea Old Boys team well into his 60s.

In later years be became a fixture of the 'Chelsea legends' side Credit: PA

Chelsea FC paid tribute to the goalkeeping legend.