The $30 million tribute to a Chelsea icon

Bobby Tambling, Chelsea's former record goalscorer, has died at 84 after a long illness. He scored 202 goals for the club and was later surpassed by Frank Lampard.

Tambling was a key figure in Chelsea's history and remained passionate about the club until his death.

Chelsea announced the 'very sad news' in a lengthy obituary,acknowledging Tambling's passion for the club.

A 40-year record that stood the test of time

Tambling held the club's scoring record for four decades, a testament to his enduring legacy.

He was eventually surpassed by Frank Lampard, but Tambling still holds the record for most goals in a single match for Chelsea, having scored five against Aston Villa in 1966.

That feat came one season after Tambling helped Chelsea win the League Cup in 1965, and he also reached the FA Cup final with the club in 1967.

A life of football, friendship, and love

Tambling was named in Chelsea's greatest-ever XI to celebrate the club's centenary in 2005, and a spot on the Shed Wall at Stamford Bridge honours his achievements .

In 2013, after Lampard broke his long-standing rceorrd,Tambling revealed in an interview that the rivalry between the two had grown into a friendship .

Lampard wrote the foreword to Tambling's autobiography, 'Goals in Life', published in 2016. Lampard described Tambling as 'a gentleman of football and Chelsea Football Club' and said, 'If you want an ambassador, someone who shows what the club means and who transcends the generations, he is the man. It's an absolute privilege to call you my mate.'

A Chelsea legend, a wonderful human being

Crosshaven, where he lived in County Cork, paid tribute, calling him 'a Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being'.

Tambling is survived by his wife Val, other family, and friends.

The football community mourns the loss of a true legend, whose warmth, wisdom, and love for the game will be remembered forever.

A legacy that will live on

Tambling's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, as he remained passionate about the club and its fans until his death.

His story serves as a reminder of the power of football to bring people together and transcend generations .

As the football community comes together to pay tribute to Tambling, his memory will live on in the hearts of Chelsea fans around the world.