John Giles has told of losing a "very, very good friend" after his former Leeds teammate Norman Hunter died having contracted Covid-19.
The pair played together during the glory days of the Yorkshire club under Don Revie and have remained close ever since.
Giles said of Hunter: "I would regard him as a very, very good friend. He was an exceptional character and you could depend on him with your life.
"He was very genuine, very modest and would never talk about himself. He felt privileged to play football at the level he was at.
"I played with him for 12 years, and it is honestly like being in the army together. Especially in those days, you had to stick together. There is a bond from that that never dies," said Giles to Off The Ball.
Ireland legend Giles, 79, admitted it was difficult not being able to mark Hunter's death owing to the COVID-19 restrictions.
But he was sure he would eventually get together with his old team mates to celebrate the life of the no-nonsense defender who got the nickname "Bite Yer Legs" from the Elland Road faithful.
"I think we will have something when this stuff goes away. I think the Leeds lads will get together with Norman's family at some stage, I'd have no doubt about that. We won't let this go."
Giles hailed the partnership Hunter shared with future Ireland boss Jack Charlton at the heart of the Leeds defence.
"They would have played together for at least 10 years. It was a terrific partnership," Giles said.
"Hunter would play off Jack, cleaning up after him and he had a great knowledge of where to be as a defender. He read the game well, and could see the danger before it ever came near him. He could tackle as well."
Things could have worked out much differently for Hunter had Revie not moved to bring the defender back on board after he was released by the previous boss.
Gilles added: "Before Don took over in 1961, the previous manager had released Norman. So, Don went and brought him back. I don't think he ever forgot how near he was not to making it.
"He never lost his determination, even when he became established and played for England, I don't think he ever lost that thought of being discarded at 17.
"But I had left Manchester United too at 22 and had something to prove. Some of our lads had to be coached but they all worked hard had and had the ambition to do it.
"When they did make it then, they never lost that hunger and never got ahead of themselves. Don wouldn't have allowed it anyway"
