Cardiff legend Peter Whittingham passes away, aged 35

• The former playmaker made 413 appearances for Bluebirds, scoring 85 goals during his 10-year run at the club.

Former England midfielder Peter Whittingham has succumbed to injuries after an accidental fall at a pub, Cardiff City confirmed on Thursday.

The former playmaker made 413 appearances for Cardiff, scoring 85 goals during a career spanning 10-year in the Welsh capital.

He led the Bluebirds to the Premier League for the first time in 2013 and also helped them to the FA Cup final in 2008 and League Cup final in 2012.

He left the club in 2017 for Blackburn Rovers, where he made 20 appearances.

Following his demise, Cardiff released an emotional statement which reads: “The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.

It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35.

Club Statement: https://t.co/SGYOx4L2x2 pic.twitter.com/cvkfhRkP1N

— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 19, 2020

“First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.”

“The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us,” it added.

On Wednesday, South Wales Police confirmed the former the midfielder was alive after rumours of his death circulated on social media on Tuesday night.

The 35-year-old was in critical condition in Cardiff's Heath Hospital.

We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Whittingham, who made 17 appearances for our Under-21s between 2004 and 2007.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pr2e2QKmJJ

— England (@England) March 19, 2020

Earlier, the Police released a statement revealing what happened after social media users speculated.

It read: "At around 10pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry.

"A 35-year-old man from Penarth suffered a head injury as a result of a fall and remains at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

"At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall.

"Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident."