Chelsea greats Petr Cech and Ron 'Chopper' Harris led the tributes to former Blues and England goalkeeper Peter Bonetti, who has died at the age of 78.

Chelsea confirmed the death of Bonetti following what it described as a "long-term illness", adding: "All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends."

Cech, who surpassed Bonetti's Chelsea record of 208 clean sheets in 2014, posted on Twitter: "Really sad news for everyone from @ChelseaFC family.. RIP "The Cat"... Legend."

Bonetti made 495 appearances for Chelsea, a record beaten only by Harris, who described him as the club's greatest goalkeeper, and "a great lad".

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Harris said: "He was about 5ft 10, ever so slim, and acrobatic. He pulled off some unbelievable saves.

"I'm not knocking any of the present day keepers but ask any Chelsea supporter who's been around for some time and I bet they'd say the number one keeper at Chelsea was Peter Bonetti."

He was in the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, but did not play, belatedly receiving a winners' medal in June 2009.

Bonetti was twice promoted to the First Division with Chelsea and won the 1964-65 League Cup, 1970 FA Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971.

Peter Shilton, who was part of England's 1970 World Cup squad alongside Bonetti, tweeted his respects, describing Bonetti as "a hero of mine, a tremendous player and a true gentleman."

FA chairman Greg Clarke said he was "very saddened" to hear of the death of "a wonderful goalkeeper but also a hugely-popular figure in the English game."

After retiring as a player, Bonetti took up coaching roles at Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City, whose former midfielder Joey Barton paid tribute.

Barton wrote on Twitter: "Really saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Bonetti. He was our goalie coach @ManCity under KK. All round top bloke and gentlemen. RIP Cat. Broken heart. Thoughts are with his family and friends."