Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74.
City said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.”
Lee, who began his playing career at Bolton, joined Derby from City in 1974. He won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, after making his full international debut in 1968 and appeared at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
City added: “Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer.
“His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
Follow Us on Social media:
- “I do not want to suffer”
- “We’d love to make it happen” – Portsmouth eye extended loan deal for Manchester City midfielder
- Bernardo Silva says £54m Man City teammate always delivers
- Tim Sherwood says there’s one thing Erling Haaland can get better at
- Manchester City goalkeeper rejected ‘huge offer’ from Saudi Arabia
- Bernardo Silva says there is nothing £220k-a-week Man City teammate can’t do
- ‘I’m convinced’… Jamie Carragher makes prediction about £51m Man City star after ‘astonishing’ moment vs Wolves
