Arsenal legend, who was the first to score European goal dies

- Alan Skirton, former Arsenal star has been reported dead at the age of 80

- The former winger represented the Gunners for six seasons and became the top scorer at the end of the 1961-62 season

- Skirton also scored the first European goal at the Arsenal's former stadium, the Highbury

Premier League giants Arsenal have announced the death of their former winger, Alan Skirton

The former England international spent six seasons at the club and scored 53 goals in 153 appearances during his spell.

He emerged as the north Londoners' top scorer in the 1961/62 season with 19 goals after 38 Division 1 matches.

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Skirton became the first Gunners star to score an European goal at Highbury which earned him the nick name 'Highbury Express'.

Arsenal after learning of his death said on their official website that they "it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Arsenal winger, Alan Skirton."

"He was a huge personality who touched so many, and he will be sorely missed by his wife Jane, sons Andrew, Paul and Simon, and daughter Debbie.

"He meant so much to his brothers Mick, Colin and Gordon and their families, his grandchildren and their families, and his great grandchild Tobias, who was recently welcomed into the Skirton family.

"Alan will be remembered as a true gentleman and we will all miss him. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly for those wishing to pay their respects."

Skirton got his career started Bath before joining Arsenal, and then played for Blackpool, Bristol, Torquay United, Durban City and Weymouth.

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After he decided to hang up his boots, he worked as a commercial manager for Weymouth, Bath and Yeovil Town.

A statement from Yeovil read: "On top of masterminding the revolution at YTFC which saw millions of pounds raised during his time in command, Alan became the voice of matchday for Town fans and an integral part of things at the club."

Legit.ng earlier reported that Gordon Banks threw the football world into mourning following the tragic death of the England World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

Banks was part of the Three Lions squad that lifted the World Cup in 1966 after stunning West Germany 4-2 in the finals.

He made a massive 73 appearances for England, and just under 300 for Premier League side, Leicester City.

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Source: Legit.ng