The football world is reeling from the death of Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed on the pitch while playing for Cameroon.
The 28-year-old was pronounced dead after the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in Lyon, France, on Thursday.
Foe spent last season on loan at Manchester City, who were hoping to sign him from French club Olympique Lyon.
And City chairman John Wardle expressed the club's sorrow.
"Foe was wonderful to have around the club," Wardle told BBC Radio Five Live.
"He was instrumental in our success on our return to the Premiership and he got on well with everyone as a player and a friend. He always had a smile on his face and was humble as well.
"Foe also scored the last goal at Maine Road and he will go down in history for that."
City director and former player Dennis Tueart added: ""Marc came
in and did a terrific job as a player and is greatly revered in his country as
an ambassador.
"I have spoken to Kevin Keegan and to say he is devastated is an
understatement.
"Our thoughts are with
Marc's wife and family"
Foe previously played for West Ham United, after moving there in a £4m deal in 1999.
Foe's former boss at Upton Park, Harry Redknapp, was very emotional on hearing the news.
He said: "You couldn't meet a nicer, more fantastic person than Marc Foe. He was a special boy - I just can't believe it."
Redknapp said the player was in peak physical condition and had interested Manchester United before he broke his leg.
His club Olympique Lyonnais paid tribute on Foe's official website.
A statement said: "Marc-Vivien Foe will leave us the memory of a charming boy, the incarnation
of the joy in life.
"We will keep of him his bursts of laughter, the music which comes out of the
changing room, and his kindness away from the ground.
"Marco, we will not forget you."
Cameroon is to hold a national day of mourning for Foe. The date has yet to be confirmed.