Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to Jack Charlton after the death of the Leeds United legend.
The club announced that the former England World Cup winner had died late on Friday night at the age of 85 after a long-standing illness.
A club statement on Saturday read: " Leeds United are deeply saddened to learn club legend Jack Charlton passed away last night at the age of 85 following a long-term illness.
"Charlton made a club record 773 appearances for Leeds United over a 23-year period as a player, becoming one of the all-time great central defenders in the game."
Tributes have since poured from the football community for a true legend of the game.
Ferdinand spent time with Charlton for Leeds before joining Manchester United and he insisted he will go down as a legend of the game.
"As a young person growing up, you knew who Jack Charlton was immediately," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"A World Cup winner and somebody of great stature in the game. A man who didn't mince his words, a man amongst men. A lovely, lovely fella. Whenever I met him he was always great to see and speak to.
"He was just a great football man. It's a football family with Sir Bobby Charlton at Man United. It's very sad to see what's happened but what a career, as a player and as a manager.
"I don't think he bought a pint, ever in Ireland after what he did as a manager there. He'll go down as a complete legend. It's banded about often but I think this fella fits the bill."
