Paul Mariner, former England, Ipswich and Arsenal star, dies aged just 68 after brief battle with brain cancer as the world of football pays tribute to UEFA Cup and FA Cup-winning centre forward By Ollie Lewis For Mailonline Published: 08:26 BST, 10 July 2021 | Updated: 08:36 BST, 10 July 2021 Viewcomments Former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68, the club has announced. Mariner scored 139 goals in 339 games for Ipswich and was a member of their FA Cup winning side of 1978 and the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1981. He also earned 35 caps for England and scored 13 times for his country. 'We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on the 9th of July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer,' a family statement read. 'We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages and for the messages that were sent to him, they meant a great deal to him and to us. 'A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will forever be in your debt.' A tweet from Ipswich read: 'We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68. The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Paul's family and friends at this sad time.' It was reported last year that Mariner, whose other clubs included Plymouth, Arsenal and Portsmouth, had undergone surgery on a brain tumour. Former England and Ipswich centre forward Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68 years old A tweet from the England team's account read: 'We're sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68. 'Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.' More to follow. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility