Manchester City players will pay tribute to former midfielder Colin Bell ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford after the death of the club's own 'king'.
City announced Bell had "passed away peacefully" on Tuesday afternoon aged 74 following a "short, non-Covid related illness".
Former England international Bell made 492 appearances and scored 152 goals for City during his 13-year stay after joining from Bury in 1966, helping secure promotion to the top flight.
A tweet from FIFA read: "Seldom has a player been as beloved at a club as Colin Bell at Man City. He was affectionately known as 'The King of the Kippax' and has a stand named in his honour at the City of Manchester Stadium. RIP to one of England's finest all-time midfielders."
Rivals United also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "All of us at Man Utd are deeply saddened by the passing of Colin Bell, a true footballing legend. Condolences to Colin's loved ones and everyone at Man City."
Bell is survived by his wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.
