A statue of Stoke City and England's former goalkeeper Gordon Banks is seen draped in scarves holding a book to honour England's World Cup winning goalkeeper, outside the Bet365 stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on February 12, 2019. Pele said Gordon Banks' legendary save in the 1970 World Cup bound the two men together in a lasting friendship as he paid tribute to the former England goalkeeper who died aged 81 on Tuesday. The Brazilian great said even now he cannot believe Banks managed to scoop away the header in Guadalajara's Estadio Jalisco. "The save was one of the best I have ever seen -- in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since," Pele, 78, said on Facebook. "He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. "And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast." Although Banks had played a key role when England won the 1966 World Cup, the save from Pele four years later came to define his career. "So I am glad he saved my header -- because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart. Brazilian football legend Pele (R) and former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks embrace as they meet at a news conference in London for the announcement of the FIFA 100 top football players, March 4, 2004. Photo: Reuters "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being." Bobby Charlton, the driving force of the 1966 World Cup team, paid his own tribute to Banks, saying he was "proud to call him a team-mate". "Obviously we shared that great day in 1966 but it was more than that," Charlton said. "Even though I was on the pitch and have seen it many times since, I still don't know how he saved that header from Pele." Current England manager Gareth Southgate said he had enjoyed spending time with an "all-time great". "It was particularly special to be with him at a Football Writers' tribute dinner last year and wish him well on his 80th birthday," Southgate said. "Gordon spoke to the room about that incredible save from Pele against Brazil back in 1970 and moments like that from his remarkable World Cup-winning career will continue to linger long in the memory." The Germany team showed it had long forgotten the bitter taste of defeat in saluting the 73-times capped goalkeeper. "A fierce opponent and a good man. Rest in peace, Gordon Banks #DieMannschaft," the team said on Twitter. 'CHANGED PERCEPTIONS' England's present number one Jordan Pickford -- who was a pivotal figure at last year's World Cup -- tweeted a video of the save from Pele. "One of the greatest saves of all time. RIP Gordon Banks," Pickford said. One of Pickford's predecessors at Everton, Welsh icon Neville Southall, was coached by Banks, who retired from the game in 1973 having lost an eye in a car crash in October 1972. "He taught me for a bit. He had an incredible knowledge of goalkeeping, but more than that, he was a gentleman," tweeted Southall. [embed]https://twitter.com/JPickford1/status/1095278723392303104[/embed] "He was so laid-back, so professional and a model goalkeeper. He was a model man too. He changed people's perceptions of goalkeeping." Football's global governing body FIFA sent its condolences. [embed]https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1095260526605684737[/embed] "Once a champion, always a champion. We are deeply sorry to hear of the death of @England World Cup winner @thegordonbanks," it tweeted. "He was one of the game's greatest goalkeepers, a provider of stunning World Cup memories & a gentleman." For those who followed in his wake between the posts he was a hard act to follow, but England were blessed in having two world-class goalkeepers in Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton. "He was a wonderful man and we knew we had big shoes to fill and that helped us as well," Clemence told the BBC. "We had to keep the standard of English goalkeeping at the level Gordon had set."<doc-sep>Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Pele has become the latest football legend to pay tribute to Gordon Banks, who passed away aged 81 on Tuesday, admitting "I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship". The legendary England shot-stopper, best known for his save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, passed away overnight after a long illness. Banks also famously helped England to World Cup glory in 1966 as West Germany were beaten in the final at Wembley, earning 73 caps in total for the Three Lions. Four years after Banks’ 1966 heroics, Pele saw his downward header somehow tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper’s miraculous diving stop - a save widely regarded as the greatest in World Cup history. (Image: Getty) And, in a post on Facebook , Pele paid tribute to Banks in a touching tribute, in which he stated "I understand why" Banks' famous 1970 World Cup save is held in such high esteem. "The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since," Pele said. "When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate. "But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. (Image: Getty) "He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast." The Brazilian added: "So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart. "I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of. "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being."<doc-sep>PELE and Germany joined England legends past and present in paying tribute to our World Cup-winning goalie Gordon Banks, who has died at the age of 81. Banks, forever remembered for that save against the Brazil icon in 1970, passed away peacefully overnight, his former club Stoke announced. 2 Pele posted this photo with Gordon Banks as he paid tribute to the late England legend Credit: Instagram And in a lengthy, heartfelt post repeated in full below, Pele said: "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being." Gareth Southgate, Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker, Sir Geoff Hurst and Raheem Sterling were among a number of Three Lions icons to pay their respects to the man regarded as the country's best ever goalkeeper. Gazza posted: "So sorry to hear the news of my good friend Gordon Banks who passed away a few hours ago. What a loss and an unbelievable goalkeeper and an incredible man, a really true gentleman RIP mate." Sterling tweeted: "Of course there was THAT save, but it's so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family." Three Lions legend Lineker wrote: "Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. I’m devastated - today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon — Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) February 12, 2019 of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family pic.twitter.com/iyAKdH2Mfm — Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) February 12, 2019 Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) February 12, 2019 A fierce opponent and a good man. Rest in peace, Gordon Banks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/lAGgAulKuO — Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) February 12, 2019 Pele's heartfelt tribute to Gordon Banks For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970. I understand why. The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since. When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate. But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it l, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast. I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, always ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that - it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people. So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart. I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of. Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being. "@England's World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIP Gordon." Sir Geoff, Banks' former team-mate who scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over West Germany, said: "Very sad to hear the news that Gordon has died. "One of the very greatest. Thinking especially of Ursula, Julia, Wendy and Robert. Sad for football, Stoke City and for England fans. Will be very sadly missed." Former England keeper Peter Shilton wrote: "I'm devastated - today I've lost my hero. Our condolences to his family RIP Gordon." Current Three Lions boss Southgate said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's passing. "An all-time great for England, I was privileged enough to be in his company on a number of occasions." Gordon Banks pulls off the 'Save of the Century' from a Pele header at the 1970 World Cup finals Ian Wright recalled the advice Banks had given him on how to beat keepers. The SunSport columnist and England legend tweeted: "We used to always speak about finishing. His advice to me was to try and catch keepers early - "get the shot away early" he'd say. "In 1970 we saw one of the greatest crosses, met by one of the greatest headers and saved by one of the greatest goalkeepers. RIP GB." Sir Bobby Charlton said: "Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper and I was proud to call him a team-mate." Gary Lineker pays emotional tribute to his hero Gordon Banks Legend..... RIP Gordon Banks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/mrClVqJmUk — Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) February 12, 2019 2 World Cup hero Sir Geoff tweeted this heartfelt post in honour of Banks Credit: Twitter We’re deeply saddened to hear that Gordon Banks, our #WorldCup-winning goalkeeper, has passed away. Our thoughts are with Gordon’s friends, family and supporters at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nbzncYBCFA — England (@England) February 12, 2019 When Banks' career was cut short at age of 34 after car crash nearly blinded him GORDON BANKS' career was cut short after a car crash nearly blinded the World Cup-winning keeper. Banks was driving home from Stoke's Victoria Ground in his Ford Consul, after getting treatment on a minor injury in October 1972. But as he went to overtake another vehicle, the he was involved in a head-on collision with a van. He woke up in hospital and surgery had been carried out on his eyes. Shards of glass had perforated his right eye and damaged the retina ﻿and he knew then that his playing days were numbered aged just 34. He was given a 50-50 chance of seeing again in his right eye. He later recalled: "One day I leaned over to pick up a cup of tea on my bedside table and was shocked to grasp thin air. That’s when the reality of my situation hit home. "I remember thinking if I can’t even get the angle right to pick up a cup of tea, how will I ever judge the flight and speed of a football again?" After getting himself back to fitness throughout the rest of the season, Banks chatted to Stoke manager Tony Waddington and told his boss it was over. Four years later, Banks went on to play in the North American Soccer League, where many of Europe's most famous exports including George Best and Franz Beckenbauer played out the twighlights of their careers. Banks played 37 games for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers before retiring with 558 club appearances to his name and 73 England caps. Michael Owen tweeted: "Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81. Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game's true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Rest In Peace." Peter Reid, who won 13 caps for England, said: "RIP Gordon Banks, LEGEND." Ex-England shot-stopper David Seaman wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of a true legend." Harry Maguire, hero of England's World Cup run to the semis last summer, posted: "A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks." And Leicester team-mate Jamie Vardy said: "Legend... RIP Gordon Banks." Stoke's official statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.<doc-sep>
"I'm glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure," said Pele Pele has paid tribute to the late England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, recounting his experience of "one of the best saves" he has ever seen. Banks, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, "passed away peacefully overnight" aged 81, his family said in a statement on Tuesday morning. Once a champion, always a champion 🦁🏆 We are deeply sorry to hear of the death of @England World Cup winner @thegordonbanks. He was one of the game's greatest goalkeepers, a provider of stunning World Cup memories & a gentleman. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/tsD4c71Ixt — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 12, 2019 The former England, Stoke and Leicester 'keeper is widely-known for his remarkable save to deny Brazil legend Pele at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Pele, however, says he and Banks share a bond far deeper than just the memory of that save, which came in Brazil's 1-0 group-stage win in Guadalajara. In a Facebook post, Pele said: "For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970. I understand why. Image: Gordon Banks' famous save to deny Pele at the 1970 World Cup "The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life, and in all the thousands of games I have watched since. "When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate. 0:41 Peter Shilton says Banks was his 'hero' as a youngster, before becoming his understudy at Leicester "But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it l, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast. "I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, always ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that - it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people. 1:35 Martin Tyler pays tribute to Banks "So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart. "I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of. "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being."