Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley has paid tribute to Papa Bouba Diop after the midfielder died following a long-term illness.
Diop's death was confirmed earlier today. He was aged 42.
Players past and present have spoken glowingly of the former Birmingham City midfielder who played a key role in Senegal's remarkable World Cup campaign in 2002 as they reached the quarter-finals in what was their debut in the competition.
Crossley was a team-mate and friend of Diop at Fulham from 2004 to 2007 and was devastated to learn of his death.
"A great guy, great fun to be with and a top player. RIP big man."
FIFA also paid tribute via their Twitter feed and said: "Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero."
And a post on Fulham's Twitter account said the club was "devastated".
Diop is fondly remembered for his performances of in the 2002 World Cup when he scored in their victory against reigning champions France and then hit the target twice in a group stage draw with Uruguay.
He also helped Portsmouth win the FA Cup in 2008 and boss Harry Redknapp, who was the manager at the time, remembered the midfielder fondly.
"He was such a wonderful character," Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He was fantastic for me, a great character, always happy and always had a smile on his face. He was a giant of a man.
"He had no aggression in him. He looked aggressive on the pitch because he was so big, but there was nothing nasty about him.
"My thoughts are with all his family."
Diop retired from football in 2013.
