Jimmy Greaves' funeral sees Tottenham and England legends pay tribute

English football legend Jimmy Greaves was laid to rest on Friday.

The Tottenham Hotspur icon passed away at his home in Essex on September 19, aged 81, and tributes have continued to flood in ever since.

Greaves was part of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany and scored a record 266 goals in 379 games for Spurs.

He also holds the record for most goals (357) in English top-flight football, and scored a record six hat-tricks for England. His funeral took place at Chelmsford Crematorium.

Former Tottenham managers Harry Redknapp and Ossie Ardiles were both in attendance, alongside club legends Steve Perryman, Micky Hazard, Martin Chivers and Clive Allen.

Greaves' passing came shortly before Tottenham met Chelsea in the Premier League last month, with Spurs and Three Lions star Harry Kane saying: "RIP Jimmy Greaves. A true legend and one of the great goalscorers.

"Thoughts are with his family and friends."

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle said: "Such sad news this morning on Jimmy's passing. A true legend of the game, love and thoughts to all of Jimmy's family. R.I.P."

Hoddle appeared on BT Sport's documentary about Greaves as the brought his black and white highlight footage to colour in 2020, later telling The Irish Independent : "You can't compare Jimmy Greaves with anyone.

"I remember seeing Jimmy for the first time when my Dad took me to White Hart Lane and it was like watching a movie star.

"There were 21 other players on the field, but we were all looking at Jimmy because he was the biggest hero of them all.

"Then he always delivered. He might not do much for long periods of the game and then bang, he would score and if you came away and he hadn't scored a couple of goals, you'd be surprised."

Greaves died aged 81 in September ( Image:

PA)

Spurs favourite Ardiles added: "RIP Jimmy. Great player, great man. Very funny. Humble."

The former striker enjoyed a playing career that lasted 23 years between 1957 and 1980. He netted 44 goals in just 57 games on the international stage for the Three Lions.

Although he was a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, he famously did not feature in the final victory over West Germany.

After a long campaign for his England achievements to be recognised, Greaves finally received a World Cup winners' medal in 2009.

The casket arrives by hearse before the funeral at Chelmsford Crematorium ( Image:

PA)

Greaves also had spells at AC Milan and West Ham after beginning his career with Chelsea.

As well as an acclaimed footballer, he became a much-loved television personality by alongside in the popular ITV programme "Saint and Greavsie" alongside former Liverpool striker Ian St John between 1985 and 1992.

England manager Gareth Southgate said following the news of his death: "Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.

"I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy's family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday.

"My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.

"Jimmy certainly deserves inclusion in any list of England's best players, given his status as one of our greatest goalscorers and his part in our 1966 World Cup success."

The Three Lions boss added: "His place in our history will never be forgotten."

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