Former England captain Ray Wilkins, who had been battling ill-health for some time now, breathed his last on Wednesday and the who’s who of the footballing world posted tributes for the likeable 61-year-old, with likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Carlo Ancelotti all expressing their dismay at his passing.

Wilkins, who played for some of the best sides in Europe including Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, had suffered a cardiac arrest on March 30 and had been subsequently placed into an induced coma.

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In a statement issued via St George’s Hospital, Wilkins’ family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.”

A former assistant first team coach at Chelsea, Wilkins was well-respected among his peers and many modern-day icons.

Carlo Anclelotti, who worked with Wilkins at Stamford Bridge, expressed:

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

A post shared by Carlo Ancelotti official (@mrancelotti) on Apr 4, 2018 at 7:53am PDT

Former Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerrard:

RIP Ray Wilkins .. so sad .. great footballer and such a nice man

A post shared by Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:51am PDT

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand spoke of his admiration for a man whom he saw live on a number of occasions:

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.

A post shared by Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:38am PDT

Wilkins’ former employers Chelsea issued a statement of their own:

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.

A post shared by Chelsea FC! 🏆 (@chelseafc) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:47am PDT

Chelsea icon Frank Lampard put up a heartfelt post of his own:

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. X💙💙💙

A post shared by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:53am PDT

While Wikins played for a host of top sides over the course of a glittering career, perhaps his best spell came at Queens Park Rangers and the Championship side released a video of his highlights as they paid tribute:

Wilkins’last job in management had been at Championship side Aston Villa. He is survived by his wife Jackie and two children.

Everybody associated with #AVFC is devastated to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray.

A post shared by Aston Villa FC (@avfcofficial) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:22am PDT

Wilkins spent a few seasons at Manchester United and the Red Devils posted on Instagram:

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing.

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:18am PDT

Former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, currently at Man United, posted:

RIP RAY WILKINS.He was a GREAT MAN!

A post shared by Nemanja Matic (@nemanjamatic) on Apr 4, 2018 at 7:08am PDT