Gordon Banks remembered with Pele and Bobby Charlton leading tributes

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Brazil soccer legend Pele and England World Cup-winner Sir Bobby Charlton have led the tributes for England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81.

Pele and Gordon Banks will forever be connected by "the save of the century" at the 1970 World Cup and the Brazilian said he was "glad" Banks saved his header in Guadalajara's Estadio Jalisco because it was the start of a lasting friendship between the two men.

"For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970," Pele said in a Facebook post. "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."

Pele hugs with Gordon Banks at the Britania Stadium in Stoke on July 12, 2008. /VCG Photo

"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," the 78-year-old Pele wrote.

Tributes laid in memory of former Stoke City and England goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks outside the bet365 Stadium on February 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

"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."

Leading the English tributes, former team-mate Charlton said: "Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper, without doubt, one of the best England has ever had. I was proud to call him a team-mate."

"He will be deeply missed. Obviously, we shared that great day in 1966 but it was more than that. 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."

Fellow former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton also reacted to the news, tweeting: "I'm devastated - today I've lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon."

Players from Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City pay their respects to the late Fred Pickering and Gordon Banks during their league game at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on February 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

England manager Gareth 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."

"It was particularly special to be with him at a Football Writers' tribute dinner last year and wish him well on his 80th birthday."

"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."

Gordon Banks pictured diving to save the ball during a match circa 1966. /VCG Photo

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel tweeted: "So sad to hear that Gordon Banks one of my heroes and a true legend in life and football, has passed away.

An inspiration, a winner and a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

Legendary striker Ian Wright recalled the advice Banks had given him on how to beat keepers. The 55-year-old, who broke Arsenal's all-time scoring record, wrote: "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."

Gordon Banks running is watched by trainer Harold Shepherdson during a training session at the 1970 FIFA World Cup on May 29, 1970. /VCG Photo

Among current England internationals, Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling tweeted: "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."

"So sad to hear that Gordon Banks one of my heroes and a true legend in life and football, has passed away. An inspiration, a winner and a true gentleman."

Harry Maguire, standout performer of England's World Cup run to the semi-finals last summer, posted: "A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks." His Leicester City team-mate Jamie Vardy added: "Legend... RIP Gordon Banks."

Meanwhile, the German Football Association (DFB) also paid tribute to Banks, who was the shot-stopper that helped England win their only World Cup back in 1966, aiding his side to a 4-2 victory over the Germans in the final.

The DFB said: "A fierce opponent and a good man. Rest in peace, Gordon Banks."

(With input from agencies)