By Halimah Olamide
English soccer coach Terry Venables has died on Sunday.
His family confirmed his death and said he was 80 at the time of his death.
managed England from 1994 to 1996, most notably leading them to the semi-finals of Euro 96 .
We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” read a family statement.
“We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
“Tributes have started pouring in as Pierse Morgan wrote Sunday afternoon, “Great manager, great character. Sadly suffered from a long illness but when I bumped into him several years ago, we had a lovely chat in the sunshine, and he seemed very happy and content. ‘I’ve got no complaints,’ he said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed my life.”
While mourning the celebrated coach, Chris Kamara wrote on his X handle “Gutted to hear Terry Venables has passed away.
Top player & a fantastic manager I got to know the person & he was a great bloke. Great memories of being with him in his club Scribes in Kensington back in the late 90s. RIP Terry.”
European club side, Manchester United, mourned Terry with these words, “English football has sadly lost a true great.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Terry Venables at this time.”