LONDON — Billy Bonds, the former West Ham United player and manager described as one of soccer's “greatest competitors,” has died. He was 79.

His death was confirmed in a statement by his family via West Ham on Sunday. The Premier League club said Bonds “passed away peacefully” on Sunday morning.

Former West Ham captain Bonds was the longest-serving player in the club's history, making 799 appearances over a 21-year spell. He won two FA Cups before retiring at the age of 41.

He managed West Ham from 1990-94.

“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the club," his family said in a statement. “He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”

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