Former Italian footballer Paolo Rossi, who led the national team to victory in the 1982 World Cup, has died at the age of 64.

His wife Federica Cappelletti posted a photo of them on Instagram along with the caption "Per semper" ("forever"). She did not disclose the cause of death, but Italian media reported that Rossi had long suffered from an illness.

Rossi was the top scorer and player of the 1982 tournament in Spain, winning the Golden Shoe and the Golden Ball. His performance eliminated Brazil, one of the contenders for victory, which is considered by fans as one of the best performances in the history of the World Cup.

In 2004, he was named by Brazilian legend Pelé as one of the 125 best footballers still alive.

After retiring from football in the late 1980s, the former Juventus and AC Milan striker worked as an expert for Sky, Mediaset and Rai.

Source: BBC, Goal