Bert Trautmann, the German prisoner of war who went on to earn fame for playing for Manchester City in the FA Cup final despite a broken neck, has died at the age of 89.

Trautmann played more than 500 times for City between 1949 and 1964.

His feat in the 1956 FA Cup final became one of the legends of the tournament when he played the final 17 minutes of that game with a broken neck to ensure victory over Birmingham City – an injury so serious he was then out of action for several months.

City are planning a tribute to their former goalkeeper, such as a minute’s applause and armbands at their first home game of the season, and will also consider a more lasting recognition of his contribution such as a statue or facility being named after him.

The German FA (DFB) said he passed away at his home near Valencia in Spain yesterday morning.

DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach said: "Bert Trautmann was an amazing sportsman and a true gentleman.

'Celebrated hero'
"He went to England as a soldier, and thus a war enemy, and he became a celebrated hero there. He was a legend."

After his playing days, Trautmann managed Stockport before returning to his native Germany in 1967 to coach Preussen Munster.

In an interview two years ago, he admitted being known primarily for that FA Cup final injury sometimes rankled.