Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep tight, boss.”

Prince William, patron of the Football Association: “I am incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and coach 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 everyone who knew him.”

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

“For me, Kevin wasn’t just a football manager – 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 many people, including myself.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher: “One of the best players this country has ever produced, with abundant trophies and goals, winner of the double Ballon d’Or proves that he was an absolute giant of English football.

“One of the most important men to make the LFC what it is today.”

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

“In everything he did, he put his heart and soul into everything.”

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge: “The great Kevin Keegan has passed away. It gave me great joy in my teenage years as a huge LFC fan, and the saying goes to 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 their family. God bless them, Kevin. YNWA.”

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson: “He had time for everyone. You wouldn’t say he was a completely talented footballer, but he worked like shit to get even better and faster. He was a lovely man. It’s a very sad afternoon.

“The rival fans even applauded when he entered the field, which is very rare.”

Former Newcastle striker Mick Quinn: “I knew Kevin didn’t have much time left and in recent days he was receiving a daily newsletter about his health.

“Sadly he passed away, it was a privilege to love him as a child playing for Liverpool and then to work with him professionally and know him personally. RIP Kevin.”

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers’ Association, OBE: “Kevin Keegan is among the most decorated and iconic figures in the history of English football. 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.’

“I later had the pleasure of meeting him, and he was a very nice, passionate guy. Part of his legacy will be that generations adored him no matter what team you supported. RIP.”

Ramón Vega, former Tottenham center back: “How sad. What a player and what a character as a coach! Kevin, you brought quality and greatness to the game. Thank you. RIP.”