Italy’s 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi has died aged 64, his family says.

Rossi became a household name across the world after leading the Azzurri to victory at the tournament in Spain, finishing as top scorer and being named best player.

After becoming a prolific scorer for Vicenza, he earned a move to Juventus and later played for AC Milan.

His death was announced on Thursday, following what Italian media report had been a long illness.

Rossi’s wife Federica Cappelletti posted a picture of them together on social media with the words “Per sempre” (“forever”).

She did not disclose the cause of his death.