Former Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Arsenal goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died aged 78 -Credit:Getty Images
Jimmy Rimmer, the former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper, has passed away at the age of 78 as tributes pour in for the European Cup winner.
The shot-stopper was twice part of teams that conquered Europe after progressing through the youth ranks at United. He was among the substitutes for their victory in the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica.
He transferred to Villa in 1977, which would mark the most prosperous phase of his career. He recorded 229 league outings for the Midlands club and also featured in every fixture of their European Cup-winning run in 1982. He was substituted nine minutes into the final versus Bayern Munich.
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-Credit:Getty Images, Hulton Archive
It was during his three-year stint with Arsenal that he earned his sole cap for his country, representing England in a friendly match against Italy, as per The Mirror .
Aston Villa club honored the iconic figure as a statement read: "Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who has died at the age of 78. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
"Rimmer was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions. Despite collecting two European Cup winner's medals, he wasn't on the pitch at the end of either final."
In a statement posted on social media, United said: "Manchester United are deeply saddened by the loss of our former goalkeeper, Jimmy Rimmer. Our thoughts are with Jimmy's loved ones at this difficult time."
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His former United teammate, Alex Stepney, posted on social media: "Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy's family x."
Arsenal also paid tribute to the shot stopper, posting: "Everyone at the club is saddened to hear about the passing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer.
"Jimmy missed just two games across three seasons in the mid-70s, playing 146 games for the Gunners and winning our Player of the Year award in 1975.
"All our thoughts are with Jimmy's family and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
Rimmer also spent three years with Swansea City before brief spells with Hamrun Spartans in Malta and Luton Town, both in 1986.