Former Birmingham and England ahead Trevor Francis. File.| Photo Credit: AP

Former England ahead Trevor Francis, Britain's first a million pound ($1.28 million) participant, has died on the age of 69 after struggling a coronary heart assault, his household mentioned on Monday.

Francis began his profession at Birmingham City in 1970 earlier than spells at a number of golf equipment, notably Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Francis hit the headlines when he was transferred from Birmingham to Forest in 1979 for a million kilos, scoring the winner in that yr's European Cup ultimate towards Malmo.

"Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning," an announcement from his household launched to British media mentioned.

"On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset. He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person."

Francis gained 52 caps and scored 12 targets for England from 1977–1986.

"We're saddened to hear about the passing of Trevor Francis...," the Football Association mentioned. "We'd like to pass on commiserations to all of Trevor's family and friends."

Francis gained the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 and the European Super Cup in 1979 with Forest underneath Brian Clough. He additionally gained the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria in 1984–85.

"Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis," the Premier League membership mentioned.

"A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten."

Birmingham City mentioned supporters will be capable of pay tributes to Francis on the membership's St Andrew's stadium.

"Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the club, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals," Birmingham mentioned in an announcement.

"Birmingham City sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor's family and friends."

Manchester City additionally provided condolences to Francis' household.

"Manchester City are deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Trevor Francis," City tweeted. "Our thoughts are with Trevor's friends and family at this difficult time."

Francis additionally managed Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.