UK Edition
Former West Brom and Coventry striker Cyrille Regis has died, aged 59, after suffering a suspected heart attack on Sunday evening.
A statement from Regis' widow, Julia, released by West Bromwich Albion on her behalf, read: “Cyrille and I were soulmates, he was the perfect man for me and we had a wonderful life together.
“He was a beautiful man and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
“Losing him has turned my whole world upside down. It is a void that will never be filled.
“I have been moved by the many messages of support and condolences I have received and the kind things people have said about Cyrille as a person and a professional.
“He came into football the hard way and never lost his passion for the game. He was a role model for so many because he always treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.”
He scored 158 league goals during 614 league appearances, earning five England caps between 1982 and 1987.
Later on in his career Regis represented Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe and Chester.
In 2008 and he was awarded an MBE in for services to the voluntary sector.
Tributes poured in from across the footballing community as news of his death broke on Monday morning.
"What a man. What a centre-forward! One of my earliest football memories was walking into WBA for a trial as a 13 year old kid, seeing Cyrille Regis and being in awe of him. RIP big man," Alan Shearer wrote on Twitter.
"Devastated this morning my hero my pioneer the man behind the reason I wanted to play football has passed away my heart goes out to all his family RIP Cyrille Regis," wrote former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole on Twitter.
Regis is regarded as a pioneer for black footballers in the game, when playing alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson in his time at West Brom.
Former Crystal Palace and England striker Mark Bright wrote: "Heavy heart this morning, just heard that Cyrille Regis has passed away age 59.
"He was more than just a footballer, he blazed a trail for every black player who followed him, an inspiration to myself and many players of my era. A humble man and a great man."
Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor tweeted: "Another icon has left us. Can't believe it. Absolutely devastated as he was an unbelievable role model and became a good friend.
"Deepest condolences to all family and friends of a proper legend Cyrille Regis. You'll be missed my friend. #RIP"