He is the wing wizard who combined sublime talent with incredible longevity. Sir Stanley Matthews played until he was 50 having taken care of his body in an era when science and sport never mixed. He made his debut in March 1932 for Stoke City and played his last game for them 33 years later on February 6, exactly half a century ago. In between, he forged hero status at Blackpool, winning the 1953 FA Cup in a final that became synonymous with his name. He won two Second Division titles 30 years apart, was knighted while still playing and won 54 England caps. Matthews, who died aged 85 in 2000, would have been 100 last Sunday. Sportsmail hears from a former team-mate, an adversary, a famous friend and his daughter.
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Sir Stanley Matthews continued playing professionally until he was 50
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England winger was regarded as one of the game's greatest players
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Longevity down to taking care of his body before sports science existed
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Stoke legend won two Second Division titles 30 years apart with Potters
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He won the 1953 FA Cup with Blackpool in what became known as the 'Matthews Final'
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