Denis Law dies aged 84 as tributes pour in for Man Utd and Scotland legend

A family statement said: "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."

Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, also had a spell in Italy with Torino and was capped 55 times for his country, scoring 30 goals making him Scotland's joint top scorer of all time.

He is also Manchester United's third highest goalscorer behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton, with 237 goals in 404 appearances.

Law was part of the United team that became the first from England to lift the European Cup, beating Benfica 4-1 in 1968.

A spokesman from Manchester United said: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

Wayne Rooney wrote on social media: "Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends."

A spokesman from Liverpool FC said: "Sending condolences from all of us at LFC. Denis was a rival player but so highly thought of. As Bill Shankly once said, 'Denis Law could dance on eggshells.' Our thoughts are with Denis' family and friends at this very sad time."

Former Scotland international Joe Jordan told the BBC: "Denis was a special player and to lose someone like him, I think will affect an awful lot of Manchester United fans. A proper icon for his ability on the field to score goals but he had a special edge to him, not just as a player but as a person.

"He was a special player. Denis Law is one of the greatest players to ever play for Scotland. What he achieved at club level, people associate Manchester United with Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. That speaks for itself, he was a special player."

Law’s transfer from Huddersfield to Manchester City in 1960 (£55,000) and later moves to Italian club Torino (£110,000 in 1961) and to Manchester United (£115,000) in 1962 were all British records at the time.

The Denis Law Legacy Trust described Law as "Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian."

The Trust said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Denis and our foremost thoughts are with his family and close friends during this very sad time. Denis was Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian.

"As Patron of the charity that was built in his honour, he was an inspirational figure for so many people in the city."

Law is the only player to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford, one on the Stretford End concourse and the other as part of the "United Trinity" outside the stadium alongside fellow titans, George Best and Bobby Charlton.

In the years after his retirement Law worked as a broadcaster as well as for numerous charities and he was inducted into both the Scottish and English football halls of fame.