Former teammates and clubs have been paying tribute to Hearts hero Marius Zaliukas after he lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 36.
The shock news of his passing was confirmed by the Lithuanian FA this evening.
Zaliukas played more than 150 matches for Hearts and captained the club to its 2012 Scottish Cup final success.
Ex teammates Andrew Driver and Danny Grangier are among those to have paid tribute on social media.
Driver posted: "Those Lithuanians that came to hearts were up against it from day one. All of them were brilliant in their own right. Big zal though ended up captain against all odds. Took us to win the cup. Scored winners against hibs. He was also someone you were happy to see everyday."
And Grangier commented: "Cannot believe the news I’m hearing about big Zal. RIP skipper."
The news was confirmed as Hearts were in Scottish Cup action against Hibs at Hampden.
The club tweeted at full-time: "Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Scottish Cup winning captain Marius Zaliukas.
"A full tribute will follow, but for now we send our love to Marius' family and friends. That win was for you, skipper."
The Foundation of Hearts shared their own tribute posting: "Awful, awful news about Marius Zaliukas. A real Hearts hero. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. 36 years old. Shocking."
After departing Hearts Zaliukas joined Leeds United where he played throughout the 2013/14 season.
They commented: "The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with the friends and family of former defender Marius Žaliūkas who has sadly passed away at 36."
Zaliukas also represented Rangers while they were in the second tier of Scottish football during the 2014/15 campaign.
In their own tribute, the Ibrox club posted: "Rangers Football Club is tonight shocked and saddened to hear of the death of former player Marius Zaliukas at the age of just 36.
"The defender spent season 2014/15 at Ibrox where he made 28 appearances and netted twice.
"He began his career in his homeland, Lithuania, before coming to prominence at Hearts.
"He joined the Jambos in 2006, staying until 2013 and was their captain when they won the Scottish Cup in 2012.
"He then spent one season at Leeds United before moving to Rangers in summer 2014.
"He was also capped 25 times by his country.
"The thoughts of the directors, management and players of Rangers are with Marius’ family at this sad and difficult time."
Edinburgh Live readers were keen to pay their own respects.
Andy Taylor commented: "RIP big Zal. Great servant to Hearts, such sad news to hear. You'll always be a legend around Gorgie & Tynecastle."
