Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy dies aged 70 following Parkinson's battle

Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy has passed away at the age of 70.

The Liverpool icon, who scored 72 goals in 393 appearances for the club during seven-and-a-half successful years at Anfield, had been battling Parkinson's disease in recent years.

Kennedy joined the Reds from Arsenal in 1974, having come through the ranks in north London to play over 200 games for the Gunners.

He also made 17 appearances for England, scoring three goals.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge led the tributes to Kennedy, declaring: "Yet another magnificent Ex LFC star has passed away folks.

"Ray Kennedy what a player and lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson’s disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray ynwa."

What are your memories of Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy? Have your say in the comments!

Kennedy was a left-midfielder in Liverpool's hugely-successful team of the late 1970s and early '80s. He won five First Division titles, three European Cups, the UEFA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

During his five seasons with Arsenal prior to his Liverpool-record £200,000 move to Anfield, he lifted the First Division and the FA Cup during a double-winning 1970/71 campaign as well as the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup the previous term.

Liverpool's official statistician, Ged Rea, tweeted: "RIP Ray Kennedy. One of the legendary Liverpool midfielders of any generation.

"His team mates and opponents knew just how brilliant he was. He fought a horrible illness for many years with great dignity and resolve. Truly gutted to hear this news today."

Kennedy left Liverpool in January 1982 to join Swansea City for £160,000 and he won the Welsh Cup during his time with the club before a brief spell at Hartlepool United.

The Northumberland-born wideman played out the remaining months of his career as a player-manager for Cypriot club Pezoporikos and a stint with Non-League side Ashington.

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Gunners fan Piers Morgan paid tribute to Kennedy, tweeting: "RIP Ray Kennedy. Arsenal double-winning star in 1971 and one of my first footballing heroes.

"Went on to play for Liverpool & England. Fought a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Very sad news."

Kennedy spent time coaching at Sunderland after hanging up his boots, while Liverpool and Arsenal held a testimonial for him in April 1991.

While he increasingly struggled with Parkinson's and the effects of his medication during his later years, he will always be remembered as a true Anfield great.