Forest great Robertson, 'Picasso of our game', dies at 72

Nottingham Forest v West Ham United - Coca-Cola Football League Championship - 04/05 - The City Ground , 26/9/04 Former Nottingham Forest players Peter Shilton , John Robertson , Tony Woodcock and Frank Clark at the City Ground to pay respects to the late Brian Clough Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Michael Regan

John Robertson, the Nottingham Forest winger described by his manager Brian Clough as "a Picasso of our game", has died at the age of 72, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

He was a key member of Clough's all-conquering Forest team, assisting Trevor Francis's winner in their 1979 European Cup final victory over Malmo before scoring himself to sink Hamburg in the 1980 final.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson," Forest said in a statement.

"A true great of our club and a double European Cup winner, John’s unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten."