Former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Peter Bonetti has died aged 78 following a long illness, the club has confirmed.

Bonetti was nicknamed ‘The Cat’ because of his quick reflexes and made 729 appearances for the west London club across two spells.

He eventually collected a World Cup winners’ medal in 2009 alongside the other non-playing members of Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 squad.

Bonetti – who earned seven senior England caps in total – also represented Dundee United and Woking during his playing career.

He also had a stint in the US with the St Louis Stars before retiring and becoming a goalkeeping coach.

Chelsea said in a statement: “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.”

His shutout record was only beaten by Petr Cech in 2014, while only Ron Harris, with 795 has made more appearances for the Blues.

Harris and Bonetti were long-time team-mates, as was Bobby Tambling, who scored 202 goals for Chelsea, a record only beaten by Frank Lampard in May 2013.

Bonetti made seven appearances for England, including in the 1970 World Cup finals, but Gordon Banks was always preferred.

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, won the 1964-65 League Cup, 1970 FA Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971.

Bonetti had a son, Scott, with his second wife, Kay and fathered four children with his first wife Frances – daughters Kim, Lisa and Suzanne and son Nicholas.

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