Peter Bonetti dead at 78: Chelsea goalkeeper legend ‘the Cat’ passes away after long battle with illness

CHELSEA legend Peter Bonetti has died aged 78 after a long battle with illness.

The Blues announced the news and sent their condolences to friends and family of ‘The Cat’ as he was fondly known this afternoon.

Bonetti was born in Putney just minutes from Stamford Bridge in 1941 and went on to become one of Chelsea’s all time great goalkeepers – playing more than 700 times for the Blues.

He played for the West Londoners between 1960 and 1979 – a stint only interrupted by a short spell with the St Louis Stars in the USA in 1975.

‘The Cat’ also won seven England caps but was unfortunate to have competition for the No1 spot from Gordon Banks and later Peter Shilton.

Bonetti was given the ‘Cat’ nickname by fans thanks to his nimble style, razor sharp reflexes and plucky nature.

A Chelsea statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti.

“Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long-term illness. All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends.

“Bonetti was a goalkeeping superstar of the 1960s and 1970s.

“Small for his position on the pitch but with an aura of glamour, he was technically innovative and incredibly plucky.

“The Cat, as he was widely known, was the reassuring security among many mavericks in a golden era for Chelsea.”

Tributes poured in online as soon as the news broke.

One Blues fan said: “If there was ever a need for a statue outside the ground next to Ossie than this guy is truly worthy of one.

“At the time in the 60s and 70s the greatest goalkeeper in Chelsea history.”

Another added: “This year keeps getting worse.”

And fan simply wrote: “A true legend. RIP.”

Having left the Blues in 1979, Bonetti went on to play five games for Dundee United and even came out of retirement in 1986 to play twice for Isthmian Leaue side Woking.