Wherever he went he made a good impression

BRIAN LITTLE (Aston Villa manager) On Thursday night loads of people were messaging, hoping he was OK, and that was a reflection of the love he has from all sorts of people. Wherever he has been, he’s made an impression on people because of his attitude, his mannerisms. He was a really thoughtful person, really dedicated to his football. He would ask me: ‘What do I do to get better?’ All you could say was, ‘Keep doing what you are doing.’ He was strong, quick, athletic, good in the air, tidy on the ground, had technical ability and a reading of the game. He was a really talented footballer. And all the lads speak the world of him socially. Nobody could dislike him because he had a calming influence. STAN COLLYMORE (Aston Villa team-mate) A true man mountain but someone who never used his size or stature to intimidate. He was the opposite, always calming, always the one who eased any tensions between big names and a man who commanded respect. FABRICE MUAMBA

(Former player who suffered cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton in 2012) Yesterday I lost my friend, Germaine Mason. This morning Ugo Ehiogu passed away through a heart attack. Cherish life, it’s promised to no one.

SOL CAMPBELL

(England team-mate) 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. STEVE GIBSON (Middlesbrough chairman) Ugo and Gareth Southgate were the rock on which Steve McClaren brought the club the best period in its history. He wasn’t just a good footballer, he was a great man. It’s so sudden and so shocking, my deepest sympathies go to his family and all who knew him. GARETH BARRY

(Aston Villa team-mate) He was always so fit and I’m deeply saddened. He was a massive character and a general all-round nice guy. He was always working hard and wanting to improve and he helped me understand what was needed to become a good professional.