World Cup winner and legendary West Ham player Martin Peters passes away at 76

West Ham United anunced that former England international and World Cup 1996 World Cup winner Martin Peters passed away on Saturday. Peters was 76 years old and was diagsed with Alzheimer's disease a few years ago. 

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Tributes pour in 

A statement from Peters family read, "It is with profound sadness that we anunce that Martin passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4.00am this morning. A beloved husband, dad, and grandad, and a kind, gentle and private man, we are devastated by his loss but so very proud of all that he achieved and comforted by many happy memories we shared." statement concluded with family asking for privacy during 'difficult time.'

Peters, a wide midfielder with good movement, an eye for goals, and ability to cross ball well with eir foot, netted second goal in 1966 final that still remains most cherished day in history of English soccer. Geoff Hurst, who also played alongside Peters at West Ham, scored England's or three goals in a 4-2 win after extra time. It is only major tournament won by England men's soccer team. Sir Hurst mourned his former teammate and friend on Twitter.

Peters scored 20 goals for England in 67 international appearances - with one standing out way above rest. A shot at goal was blocked by a sprawling West Germany defender, only for ball to loop up to Peters, who volleyed home right-footed from just outside six-yard box. He skipped away in delight, with both arms held high.

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West Ham United captain Mark ble said, "Like every West Ham fan, I am extremely sad to hear of passing of Martin Peters and, on behalf of all players - throughout men’s, women’s and Academy squads - I would like to send our thoughts and best wishes to his family at this time. As someone lucky eugh to come through Academy at Chadwell Heath, Martin Peters was a name that I became aware of as soon as I walked in building for very first time. Along with Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, three greatest players in club’s history, and example that we all aspired to follow. I’ve never really thought about fact that Martin wore number 16 shirt for England in World Cup final - same number I wear for West Ham - but it gives me immense pride to have that small link to him in some way."

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