Tributes to Scottish football icon Denis Law have poured in after he passed away aged 84.
Law spent 11 years playing for Manchester United, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances to put him third on the club’s all-time goalscorers list, behind only Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton. He formed a partnership known as “The Holy Trinity” at Old Trafford alongside Charlton and George Best, helping the club to win the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup.
A brilliant striker who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, Law also played for Huddersfield, Torino and Manchester City and scored 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland during his distinguished career – with his international tally only matched only by Kenny Dalglish.
He was awarded a CBE in 2016 for his services to football and charity. He announced in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. A Manchester United statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
Another of his former clubs, Torino, said: “President Urbano Cairo and the entire Torino Football Club remember with emotion and affection Denis Law, former Granata player in the 1961/62 season, absolute champion, Ballon d’Or in 1964. An iconic figure in the history of the Granata: the day spent together on the centenary of the Bull, on December 3, 2006, was unforgettable.”
And Huddersfield Town, where Law started his career, wrote: “All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all. Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”
A number of other clubs flooded the replies to share their condolences, including Rangers who wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with the Law family at this sad time.” And Everton said: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Denis’s family, friends and everyone at Manchester United.”
While he never played for Aberdeen, Law is one of the most famous players to emerge from the north East and he has a statue in the city commemorating his success. The Dons wrote: “Everyone at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aberdeen born football legend Denis Law. One of Scotland’s greatest ever players, his legacy will live on in the North-east. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
His former teammate Brian Kidd told United We Stand: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal. He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there. Sir Matt loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”
Sharing an image of the legend, former United striker and current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy simply wrote: “R.I.P Denis,” while current United captain Bruno Fernandes penned only the word “legend” – the same message inscribed onto one of his statues at Old Trafford. Gary Neville said: “Rest in peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”