Former Chelsea legend Peter Bonetti popularly known as The Cat has died after a long battle with sickness aged 78.

The Blues took to their official Twitter handle this afternoon to announce the news of his demise and sent their condolences to friends and family.

Bonetti was born in 1941 he became one of Chelsea’s all-time great goalkeepers; he made more than 700 appearances for the Blues.

‘The Cat’ won seven England caps. After he retired as a player, he moved into coaching.

He also worked at Chelsea, Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and the England National team.

Fans nicknamed him the ‘Cat’ because of his quick style, razor-sharp reflexes and brave nature.

Chelsea statement reads: “Chelsea Football Club is hugely saddened to announce the passing today of one of our indisputably all-time great players, Peter Bonetti.

“Our former goalkeeper had been suffering from long-term illness.

“All at Chelsea wish to send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends.

“Bonetti was a goalkeeping superstar of the 1960s and 1970s.

“Small for his position on the pitch but with an aura of glamour, he was technically innovative and incredibly plucky.

“The Cat, as he was widely known, was the reassuring security among many mavericks in a golden era for Chelsea.”

Chelsea also tweeted, “All of us at Chelsea Football Club are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our brilliant former goalkeeper, Peter Bonetti, who made an incredible 729 appearances for the Blues…

See Chelsea’s tweet here:

Peter was the first goalkeeper to wear gloves when playing and even released his own range. Later, professional and amateur keepers started to wear them too.

Bonetti won the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the old Second Division during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Tributes poured in online as soon as the news broke.