Sir Stanley Matthews, who died on 23 February, 2000, at the age of 85, was an icon of English football and one of the game’s true ambassadors.

Sir Stanley, whose level of fitness was so remarkable that he continued to play at the top level until he was 50 years old, was the first professional footballer to be knighted.

In a legendary career Sir Stanley was named European footballer of the year, played 698 games in English football and represented England 54 times. The 1953 FA cup final is also remembered as the 'Matthews cup final', for the impact he made on the game.

Stanley Matthews was born on 1 February, 1915, at Seymour Street, Hanley, Stoke -on-Trent. The third of four sons, his father, Jack Matthews was a local boxer who promoted discipline, determination and sportsmanship among his sons, aspects that would serve him well during his long career.

Having showed promise playing as a right winger for England schoolboys, in 1932 he signed a professional contract with Stoke City, and within two years had made his debut for the full England team, scoring in a 4-0 win over Wales.

After serving in the RAF during the Second World War, he fell out with Stoke City and was transferred to Blackpool in 1947 for £11,500.

He was involved in two FA cup final defeats in 1948 and 1951, so when he arrived at his third cup final in 1953, at the age of 38, it was felt that it would be his last chance to win the famous trophy.

In a game remembered as the 'Matthews Final', he paved the way for Blackpool’s last-minute victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Three years later ‘the wizard of the dribble’, as he was known for his fantastic ability to dribble past opposing players, was named the first European football of the year.

In 1957 he was awarded the CBE and played his last game for England, against Scotland, an appearance that still makes him the oldest player ever to perform for the national team.

At the age of 46 he rejoined his hometown club Stoke City, transforming the team both on and off the field. Gates rose from 9,000 to 36,000, and within a season Stoke had gained promotion to the first division.

Knighted in 1964, Sir Stanley finally retired a year later at the age of 50 years and five days. He was not booked during an incredible career spanning 33 years.

A testimonial game in honour of Sir Stanley was played in April 1965 at the Victoria Ground. 35,000 people witnessed a 10-goal thriller featuring greats from across the world including Lev Yashin , Josef Masopust , Ferenc Puskás and Alfredo Di Stéfano .

After retiring Sir Stanley moved into management, first with Port Vale in 1965, before moving to Malta to coach Hibernians, where he occasionally played.

He died in hospital in 2000 following a short illness. More than 100,000 people lined the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to pay tribute to its greatest son.