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Roger Hunt: Klopp pays tribute after Liverpool and England legend dies aged 83

Liverpool's record league goalscorer Roger Hunt has died aged 83, the club have announced.

Hunt, who was also part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, scored an unrivalled 244 league goals for the Reds.

The club said in a statement posted on their official Twitter account: "We are mourning the passing of legendary former player Roger Hunt.

"The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Roger's family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Sir Roger Hunt 1938 - 2021."

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, said: "It's really sad news and our thoughts and our love go to his family.

"Unfortunately, it feels too frequent in this moment we are saying farewell to these giants of our club.

"Roger Hunt comes second to no one in his importance in the history of Liverpool FC, that much is clear."

Hunt was born in Golborne on 20 July, 1938.

He signed for Liverpool in July 1958 and made his final appearance for the club in December 1969.

Hunt was signed by Phil Taylor from non-league Stockton Heath but was kept on by Bill Shankly, and helped the club out of the old Second Division in 1962, going on to win league titles in 1964 and 1966.

He also won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 1965.

Hunt's overall scoring record for Liverpool was broken by Ian Rush in 1992 but no one has yet scored more league goals than the former striker for the club.

Hunt won 34 caps for England, scoring 18 goals, and earned his first under Walter Winterbottom in 1962 when Liverpool were still in the second tier.

In the 1961-62 season, he scored 41 goals in as many games for the Reds.

Hunt scored three goals in helping England progress out of their group at the 1966 World Cup finals, and played in every game such was his importance to Sir Alf Ramsey's team.

England acknowledged the integral role Hunt played in the nation's historic victory.

The @England account tweeted: "We're extremely saddened to learn that Roger Hunt, who was a key member of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning side in 1966, has passed away at the age of 83. Our deepest condolences go to Roger's family, friends and former clubs."

Robbie Fowler, sixth in Liverpool's all-time record goal-scorers list, wrote: "Rest in peace, Sir Roger Hunt."

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby made reference to another former Liverpool striker, Ian St John, who died earlier this year.

Molby said on Twitter: "Take care of Sir Roger for us Saint. RIP Roger Hunt."

Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton tweeted their condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with Roger Hunt's loved ones and everyone at @LFC at this sad time. RIP."

One of Hunt's former clubs, Bolton, tweeted: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Wanderers forward and World Cup winner, Roger Hunt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Former Bolton, Everton and England midfielder Peter Reid said on Twitter: "A star and a wonderful player who helped me as a young apprentice. A World Cup Winner who had time and encouragement to all young players back in the day. RIP."