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Tributes pour in for Sir Bobby

Pa
Friday 31 July 2009 13:04 BST
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"His passion, patriotism, dedication and professionalism knew no equal during his time both as a player and a manager" - Prime Minister Gordon Brown

"His contribution to English football as a player, manager and superb ambassador for our national game has been immense" - Prince William, who is president of the FA

"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson. I mourn the passing of a great friend; a wonderful individual; a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed" - Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager

"Sir Bobby was a wonderful man, a real gentleman. It's extremely sad that Sir Bobby has lost his final fight against cancer, but he will never be forgotten. He really was a great man. To manage the national team for so long was a remarkable achievement, and we all remember how close he came to leading England to the World Cup final in Italy" - Fabio Capello, England manager

"Sir Bobby Robson was an extraordinary man and an incredible football manager. Not only did he manage my career from the age of 15 when I signed for him at Ipswich, he also had a huge influence on my life. He brought me up as a person and I have always considered him to be a second father" - Scotland manager George Burley, who played for Robson at Ipswich

"He will be sadly missed by everyone, not just by people in the football world but from all walks of life. It's a very sad day for everyone, especially his family, his close friends and anyone who's ever worked with him" - Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer

"He was a man of standards. Whatever he talked about or did, he had high standards to do the best he could possibly do and he lived his life that way" - Robson's former assistant, Don Howe

"When I was with the England side he was a fantastic person to play for. The way he asked you and told you do stuff...you really wanted to do it for the man" - Former England full back Paul Parker

"He's the closest we've come to winning the World Cup (since 1966) - that's how good Bobby was. In the 1990 World Cup with a little bit more luck and calmness in the penalty shoot-out, who knows what could have happened? He was right up there behind Sir Alf Ramsey in that sense. He was a football man, a very endearing man" - Former England manager Glenn Hoddle

"It's very, very sad, especially here on Tyneside. The whole city will be grieving this morning. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed, certainly in Newcastle. I worked every day with him for five years and that's when you see the character of a man. He was certainly the best manager I worked with" - Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd

"To be so successful, but to be so loved by everybody throughout his career... that's special and says something. The game will be worse for Bobby Robson leaving us" - Former England manager Steve McClaren

"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side. My thoughts and embraces go to all his loved ones" - Inter Milan coach, and Robson's former assistant, Jose Mourinho

"It is a massive loss, as a man, and to football. I cannot think of anyone in the game who was held in higher esteem. It was an absolute privilege and honour for me to work with him. My thoughts are with his family at this time" - England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce

"He had a tremendous enthusiasm and passion for football and life and continued to retain this right to the last days of his life. He will be deeply missed by everyone, especially those who played for him. I have the fondest memories of playing for him at two World Cups" - Former England striker Gary Lineker

"Barcelona is in mourning. During his period with the club, Robson won the affection of all Cules (Barca supporters). He is a true legend of world football" - Barcelona club statement

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