Liverpool legend Ian St John has sadly died at the age of 82.
In a statement published on the club’s website, the icon’s family have asked for privacy in this difficult period.
Full-back Andy Robertson has taken to Twitter to publicly pay his respects to Saint, describing the man as a ‘true giant‘ of Scotland and Liverpool.
A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy. Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant. My love goes to his family. Rest in peace Ian St John pic.twitter.com/Lygr8oFbcf
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) March 2, 2021
Saint was suffering from an illness before his death and passed away with loved ones at his bedside last night.
Initially published on LFC’s site, his family’s statement follows:
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.
“He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.
“We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.
“The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time.”
St John is the embodiment of a club legend, making 425 appearances for Liverpool in his career, scoring 118 goals along the way.
He represented the Reds between 1961 and 1971 and picked up the two first division titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time at Anfield.
Inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2008, Saint will be remembered fondly by football fans in the UK and beyond.
Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.