Tributes have flooded in from the world of football for Wales manager Gary Speed, who has died at the age of 42.
Tributes have flooded in from the world of football for Wales manager Gary Speed, who has died at the age of 42. Speed was found hanged at his home in Chester. Cheshire Police confirmed he was found dead on the outskirts of Chester, where he lived, and said there were "no suspicious circumstances".
Gary Speed
The former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton player's ex-teammates and opponents have spoken of their shock and sadness at the news. Robbie Savage, who played alongside Speed for Wales on many occasions told BBC News: "I spoke to him yesterday and he was in high spirits. I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone. He's left two gorgeous kids behind. Gary was (a professional). He was one of the fittest guys. He looked after his body. He was a great teammate, a great manager."
Current Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who was handed the armband by Speed, tweeted: "I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man."
Manchester United forward Michael Owen, who lives close to Speed's family in north Wales, said: "Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb."
And Owen's former team-mate Gary Neville told of his "absolute devastation" to Sky Sports: "He was a fantastic professional, who was a winner. It's absolutely devastating. We think of football sometimes being important, but it's not really.
Former Liverpool and current Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso tweeted: "My first PL game was against him, he showed me in that game whatu00a0 British football is all about."
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