Former Manchester United and Chelsea player Ray Wilkins has died aged 61.

Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest last week and was transferred to St George’s Hospital in southwest London.

A statement released today from the former England star’s family confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday morning.

The statement said: “We would also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have received from Ray’s friends, colleagues, and members of the public.

“Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.

“We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing. pic.twitter.com/38w2MW86eg

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2018

‘Butch’, as he was commonly known, began his career with Chelsea, making 179 appearances and scoring 30 goals, before spells with Manchester United, AC Milan and PSG amongst others.

Post-playing days, Wilkins returned to Stamford Bridge as assistant manager, first in 1998 and again in 2009 before announcing his retirement from coaching in 2015.

Wilkins also made 84 caps for England during his playing days, making him his country’s 14th most capped player of all time.

Manchester United wrote on their official Twitter account: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing.”