Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell lead tributes for ex-England defender Ugo Ehiogu
The 44-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest at Tottenham's training ground on Thursday.
Tributes have poured in for former England international and Tottenham Hotspur Under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu, who has died at the age of 44 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Ehiogu collapsed at the club's training base in Enfield on Thursday afternoon. He passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
Ehiogu was a constant presence in English football throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, making over 300 appearances for Aston Villa before joining Middlesbrough, playing for the north-east club over 100 times.
The Londoner also won four caps for his country, memorably scoring in a 3-0 friendly victory over Spain in Sven Goran-Eriksson's first game in charge of the Three Lions – a Spanish side that featured current Barcelona and Manchester City managers Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola –in 2001.
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Tottenham's head of coaching and player development John McDermott, who worked alongside Ehiogu said: "Words cannot express the shock and sadness that we all feel at the club. Ugo's immense presence will be irreplaceable. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Gemma and his family."
The former centre-half had a 20-year playing career playing for six different clubs, who have immediately payed tribute to their former player.
The thoughts of everyone at #WBA are with the family and friends of Ugo Ehiogu, who started his career at The Hawthorns. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/eKEtMYvZA4
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) April 21, 2017
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former defender Ugo Ehiogu.
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) April 21, 2017
Our thoughts are with his family at this terribly sad time. pic.twitter.com/nTk1WBhr1H
MFC are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former player Ugo Ehiogu. Our thoughts go out to Ugo's friends and family. pic.twitter.com/GDz8lqJJFF
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) April 21, 2017
Everyone at #LUFC sends our thoughts and best wishes to former defender @UgoEhiogu, and hoping for a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/DagRZjGE7W
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 20, 2017
Our condolences to the family and friends of former defender Ugo Ehiogu. RIP #twitterblades pic.twitter.com/jiYFHM0XbQ
— Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) April 21, 2017
Aston Villa have already announced plans to hold a minute's applause for their former player ahead of Sunday's derby with Birmingham City, with both sets of players to wear black armbands.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday shortly after the announcement of Ehihou's death, Villa boss Steve Bruce said: We are all shocked and devastated by the news – someone so young. Our thoughts are with his family. I played against him. Big Ron [former Villa boss Ron Atkinson] bought him for £45,000 – what a bargain. He was a great player."
Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell, who played alongside Ehiogu for England against Spain 16 years ago, led tributes from his former colleagues.
Can't believe the news that Ugo Ehiogu has passed away. Calm & warming vibe when in his company. My heart goes out to his family! #RIPUgo
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 21, 2017
One of my East London mates of old.Ugo Ehiogu true defender my heart goes out to his family. I just can't believe it! pic.twitter.com/4DSrltEGlB
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 21, 2017
Absolutely devastated to hear Ugo Ehiogu has died! Thoughts and prayers with his family and loved ones ðð¾ such a lovely gentleman RIP
— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) April 21, 2017
One of the good guys.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) April 21, 2017
Truly broken. pic.twitter.com/cxqLk7uvy4
Devestated for Ugo, a great friend. Heart goes out to his family and friends .RIP #villahero
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) April 21, 2017
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