Colin Bell: 1946-2021

City legend passes away aged 74 after short illness

Colin Bell has sadly passed away at the age of 74, the club announced on Tuesday evening.

Bell is widely regarded to be the greatest player in City's history, scoring 152 goals in 492 appearances for the Blues.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak led the tributes, saying: “Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players and the very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club.

“I am fortunate to be able to speak regularly to his former manager and teammates, and it’s clear to me that Colin was a player held in the highest regard by all those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or seeing him play. The passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club.

“Colin was incredibly humble and a modest and understated man with an obvious inner strength of character. He was clearly comfortable with who he was and what he had achieved in the game. For the rest of us, there is always the thought of what might have been if injury had not affected his career. Undoubtedly more trophies for City and far more than the 48 England caps to his name.

“Our Club has lost a true great. Everyone’s thoughts and best wishes are with Colin’s family.”

It is understood that the team will wear retro City shirts with Bell's legendary number 8 on the back before tomorrow night's derby at Old Trafford.