Ray Wilkins was a man treasured not only by the clubs he graced but by the whole footballing world.
The much-loved player passed away in hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home last week - he was just 61.
After starting out at Chelsea, the cultured midfielder enjoyed a stellar career at the top of the game at clubs like Manchester United and AC Milan.
He also played at two World Cups for England before enjoying a managerial career at Fulham and QPR before returning to Chelsea as assistant boss.
Many will know him from his role as a pundit on Sky Sport and Talksport.
This has lead to an out-pouring of emotion from players and fans.
Here are the tributes and reactions to his death...
AC Milan:
AC Milan say goodbye to an old friend
Wilkins spent three seasons at Milan between 1984-87, racking up 73 Serie A appearances.
He was much loved by the Italian giants and they paid their tributes prior to the Milan derby on Wednesday evening.
Franco Baresi held up a Wilkins jersey while fans made a banner saying goodbye.
Chelsea:
Stamford Bridge tributes pour in for Wilkins
Fans begin to leave tributes for Wilkins underneath his plaque at Stamford Bridge.
@ChelseaFC
Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed.
Chelsea fly Stamford Bridge flag at half mast
Gully Burrows @gullyburrows
Half mast flag here at Stamford Bridge. What a desperately sad day for the club. #CFC #RIPRayWilkins
Michael Carrick adds his thoughts
Michael Carrick
? @carras16
Sad to hear the news of Ray Wilkins passing away today. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
Carlo Ancelotti:
"We have lost a fantastic person and a good friend"
Carlo Ancelotti remembers Wilkins: “Today is a very sad day, we have lost a fantastic person and a good friend. It was a pleasure to work with you, Ray. All of my best wishes go to Jackie, Jade and Ross. RIP.”
Carlo Cudicini recalls a story about Wilkins from 1999
“I’ll never forget my first day at Harlington in August 1999. You approached me with your big smile and your gentleman-like ways saying “benvenuto al Chelsea!” Being a big AC Milan fan, my journey at CFC couldn’t have started better. That smile will be hugely missed. RIP, Ray.”
Liverpool are the latest club to send their condolences
Liverpool FC
? @LFC
We're saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Wilkins. Our condolences are with his family and friends.
Rest in peace.
Really sad news about my former coach Ray Wilkins. At the tender age of 15 he put his arm around me and helped me during my transition with the first team. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Rest In Peace Ray
Petr Cech
? @PetrCech
Sad day . R.I.P Ray ... a gentleman and a great football player !
You warmed the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have been in your presence!
R.I.P Ray Wilkins
Steven Gerrard
stevengerrardRIP Ray Wilkins .. so sad .. great footballer and such a nice man
David Beckham pays his respects: 'You will be sadly missed'
“Incredibly sad to wake up to the news that Ray has passed away. A man that I’ve always looked up to as a United fan and a player, plus he wore our country’s shirt with pride. You will be sadly missed! Our thoughts are with your family and friends”
Frank Lampard: I’m not sure they make them like Ray anymore
“Devastated to hear the news that Ray Wilkins has passed away.
“He was a great player and an even greater man. Full of kindness and humility, with impeccable manners at all times.
“He had respect and time for everyone and to me he was a mentor and a friend. I’m not sure they make them like Ray anymore. You will be sorely missed fella.”
RIP Ray Wilkins
Always so humble & softly spoken whenever I saw him.
Genuine lovely guy.
Watched him live at Loftus road many times for QPR. What a great passer & teacher of the game for any young kids who watched him
Absolutely gutted to hear of Ray Wilkins passing. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Football has lost another good one. RIP Butch
So sad to hear the news about Ray Wilkins. He lived for and loved football. I was lucky enough to have worked with him and he was always a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by so many. #RIPRay
Devastated to hear the news that a football legend and my football hero Ray Wilkins has passed away. It was such a pleasure knowing you and my thoughts are with your family at this very difficult time. A real gentleman taken too soon #myhero #chelsealegend
Arsenal:
? @Arsenal
The thoughts of everyone here at Arsenal are with the family and friends of English football icon, Ray Wilkins
May he rest in peace
Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. A wonderful footballer and a delightful man. It was a pleasure to have played alongside him with England. No teammate was more helpful and supportive. I’ll be forever grateful. Thoughts are with his family. #RIPRay
