Tragedy as Former Arsenal and Liverpool Midfielder Dies After Illness

Tragedy as Former Arsenal and Liverpool Midfielder Dies After Illness

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:52 PM
  • Ray Kennedy has been battling Parkinson's since 1986 when he was diagnosed with the disease
  • Kennedy had a trophy-laden career at Arsenal and Liverpool, winning 11 major titles during his spell with the Reds
  • The former midfielder also had stints with Swansea City, Hartlepool, Pezoporikos, and Ashington

Arsenal and Liverpool have been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of legendary midfielder Ray Kennedy.

Liverpool player Ray Kennedy in action during an FA Cup Semi Final match between Liverpool and Everton at Maine Road on April 27, 1977 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images)
Kennedy had a trophy-laden career at Arsenal and Liverpool, winning 11 major titles during his spell with the Reds. Photo by Tony Duffy.
Source: Getty Images

Kennedy is said to have passed on after a battle with Parkinson's, an ailment he was diagnosed with in 1986.

The 70-year-old formed a major part of Liverpool's success in the 70s and 80s, winning three European Cups in four years.

The Sun reports Kennedy joined the Merseysiders in 1974 and went on to make 393 appearances for them.

During his eight-year spell at Anfield, he managed to win 11 major trophies, including five league titles.

Prior to his arrival at Liverpool, Kennedy had a stint with Arsenal who he played for more than 200 times.

While with the Gunners, he won the league and cup double in 1971.

He would later, after his spell at Liverpool, turn out for several other clubs including Swansea City, Hartlepool, Pezoporikos, and Ashington before hanging his boots in 1985.

Liverpool have since paid tribute to Kennedy in the wake of his death, sending a message of condolences to his family.

Liverpool's tribute

"We are mourning legendary former player Ray Kennedy, who has passed away at the age of 70.
"The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace Ray, 1951-2021."

On their part, Arsenal mourned him as "one of the giants of 71" adding he will be missed by his family and friends.

Arsenal star fights off thugs

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes was involved in a scary moment after masked thugs attempted to rob after a night out with a friend.

The thugs are said to have followed home Magalhaes, with one of them who wielded a baseball bat attempting to steal the defenders £45,000 (about KSh 6.5 million) Mercedes.

According to reports, the two aggressors demanded the Brazilian's car keys, mobile phone, and watch.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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