Sir Stanley Matthews, who has died aged 85, was one of our greatest sportsmen, and one of our most sporting greats. His achievements on the pitch confirm him as an immortal talent: in a professional playing career that spanned 33 years, he won 54 England caps and was twice named European Footballer of the Year.
Yet off the field he was a modest man, uncomfortable with the adoration his skills inspired. He earned a maximum of £50 a game and was never booked. What a contrast to today's tantrum-prone, prima donna Premiership stars.
Sir Stanley was both a gentleman and a player.
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