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.

After he retired from playing, Bonetti moved into coaching and had a spell back at Chelsea as well as the England national team.

He also worked at Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City.

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.

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