Kevin Keegan: Liverpool legend and former Newcastle United and England manager dies aged 75

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy, Boss.”

Prince William, Patron of the Football Association: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.

“Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”

Former Newcastle forward Faustino Asprillia: “Today is a day I never wanted to see. I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

“Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me – he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle. Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included.”

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher: “One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies and goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.

“One of the most important men in making LFC what it is today.”

BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter Ian Dennis: “Really sad news. He had such a magnetic character. He was mesmeric as a player and a person. This is really sad news. Condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

“Everything he did, he put his heart and soul in to everything.”

Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge: “The great Kevin Keegan has passed away. He gave me great joy in my teens as a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? Well I did! Roger Hunt and KK, and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless, Kevin. YNWA.”

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson: “He had time for everybody. You wouldn’t say that he was completely gifted as a footballer but he worked like stink to get himself even better and quicker. He was such a lovely man. It’s a very sad afternoon.

“Opposition supporters would actually clap when he came on the pitch which is very seldom to do.”

Ex-Newcastle striker Mick Quinn: “I knew Kevin didn’t have long left and was getting a daily bulletin of his health in recent days.

“Sadly he has passed, it was a privilege to worship him as a kid playing for Liverpool then to get to work with him professionally and get to know him personally. R.I.P Kevin.”

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan OBE: “Kevin Keegan stands among the most decorated and iconic figures in English football history. He will be remembered with immense respect, admiration and affection.”

Former Middlesbrough striker Jan Aage Fjortoft: “Kevin Keegan, one of the superstars of our game, has passed away. For us who discovered football in the 70s he was ‘the one’.

“Later I had the pleasure to meet him, and he was such a nice and passionate guy. One part of his legacy will be that generations adored him regardless which team you supported. RIP.”

Ex-Tottenham centre-back Ramon Vega: “So sad. What a player and what a character as a manager! Kevin, you brought quality and greatness to the game. Thank you. R.I.P.”