‘Beyond Legendary’ – Jude Bellingham Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Trevor Francis

England and Real Madrid midfielder. Jude Bellingham paid tribute to ‘trailblazer’ Trevor Francis following his death aged 69.

Bellingham, who spent his formative years in Birmingham where Francis also made a name for himself as a teenager, thanked him for the guidance he provided.

In a post on his official Twitter account, the 20-year-old said: “Very sad day for @BCFC and all of football. Beyond legendary, trailblazer, great and icon of the game.

“The only thing that could surpass his quality and accolades on the pitch was his class off it. Thanks for all the guidance and pointers you have provided. Rest in peace, King Trevor!”

Bellingham was one of a number of current and former players to pay their respects to Francis after a family spokesman confirmed on Monday that the former Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and the England striker died after suffering a heart attack.

He became the first British player to earn £1m when he joined Forest in 1979 and later that year he scored the club’s winner in the European Cup final.

John McGovern, who lifted the cup as Forest captain, said in a video interview tweeted by the club: “I would describe him as a footballer, absolutely top class, but as a person he would probably be up there too.

“My condolences certainly go out to his family because he’s one of the good guys in the game.”

Another former Forest team-mate, Martin O’Neill, said on social media: “Really devastated to hear the tragic news that Trevor Francis has passed away. A phenomenal player, a great teammate and a great friend. Football has lost a real great man.”

Francis won 52 caps for England and later led Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham to major finals as manager.

A message on England’s official Twitter account said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69.

“He won 52 caps and scored 12 goals, including two in the 1982 @FIFAWorldCup for the #ThreeLions between 1977 and 1986.

“All our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs.”

Former Forest and England goalkeeper Peter Shilton tweeted: “Absolutely devastated to hear about my old team mate Trevor Francis. Such a wonderful gentleman, friend and a terrible loss.’

Francis’ former club Birmingham, Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Rangers, QPR and Manchester City offered their condolences, while the Genoa club wrote simply: “Rest in peace Trevor #Francis.”

Former England striker turned TV presenter Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that Trevor Francis has passed away.

“A great football player and a great person. It was a pleasure to work with him both on the field and on television. RIP Trevor.”

Former England team-mate Peter Reid said: “Great guy, played against him, an England team-mate. He signed me to QPR from Everton. RIP Trev.”

Chris Waddle, who was a member of the Francis Owls side that reached the League Cup and FA Cup finals in 1993, tweeted: “Very sorry to hear the sad news of Trevor Francis’ passing, he was a wonderful man and such a great player and thank you so much for leading me to a SWFC legend..RIP.”

Mark Bright, another attendee that Wednesday, added: “RIP Trevor Francis. Trev signed me when he was player/manager at SWFC.

“The club went through some great times in the early 90s and Trev and his wife Helen were very good at helping me settle in at the club. I really appreciated it then and now. Love to sons Matthew and James.”

Chris Camarathe former Brentford and Swindon midfielder, who later became Francis’ media colleague, also offered his condolences.

He wrote: “Oh no, just heard that Trevor Francis has died. What a player and gentleman he was. I got to know him well when Trevor was commentating for Sky, a job he loved.

“RIP Trevor the first million pound player who always looked a million dollars.”

Another media colleague, Hayley McQueen, daughter of former Leeds and Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen, said: “Shocked by the death of Trevor Francis, he has never been the same since the death of his beloved wife Helen six years ago.

“One of the most wonderful couples you could ever meet who took me under their wing while working on the World Cup, dinners, lunches and even meetings in London.”

Francis broke into the Birmingham team at the age of just 16 and his fame went beyond the game.

Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno tweeted: “RIP Trevor Francis. Sad news of Trevor’s sudden death, he played in an era where I voraciously watched Match of the Day, another legend gone too soon. We met a few times, especially when I was doing events in and around the Midlands.’

Journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Trevor Francis, 69. Britain’s first £1m footballer, capped 52 times for England and won back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.

“Then became a great TV pundit and was, by all accounts, a great man. Sad news. REST IN PEACE.”