An adored dad and "legendary" stadium worker at Liverpool FC who befriended Reds players past and present has lost his battle with coronavirus.
Tributes were paid to Paul Smith, who was head host at the club's Carlsberg lounge, and last week was sent poignant video messages of support from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher as he lay in hospital fighting for his life.
Nurses played the emotional rallying cry from Liverpool's former captain during the 56-year-old's struggle against Covid-19, which ended on Thursday.
Today, Mr Smith's young daughter Megan described her pride about her dad, calling him her "best friend" who he nicknamed "my shadow".
In Steven Gerrard's message the ex-midfielder told Paul: "I've been told you've been in hospital recently, and you're quite poorly.
"It's important, mate, you keep fighting, you stay strong and be as brave as you can.
"We need to get you home to your girls, Megan and Marie [his wife], as soon as we can.
"So you keep hanging in there mate, and fight as hard you can, push, be brave and I'm sure we'll get you home as soon as possible.
"Take care pal, all the best."
In a similar message, Carragher told him: "...I know you're not too good at the moment.
"But we're thinking of you, fingers crossed you come through it all, it's a tough time for us all, especially you at the moment.
"But, you've got loads of Reds especially thinking of you, hopefully speak to you soon and stay safe."
Paul spent a fortnight on a ventilator in the Royal Liverpool Hospital before the virus proved too much.
As he slipped away, medics played "You'll Never Walk Alone" to him in the ward on a phone as a final tribute.
Over the last three days, other messages from past Liverpool FC stars including Jan Molby, Bruce Grobbelaar, Alan Kennedy and Ian St John have inundated the Smith family.
Today, Jurgen Klopp telephoned Anfield head steward Paul Kelly, the dad-of-two's best friend, and asked for his condolences to be passed to his loved ones.
The message included a clip of the Kop boss giving a fond wink and holding his hands in a prayer-like gesture.
Paul, who lived in Vauxhall, worked at Anfield for 28 years, initially as a steward, before going on to work in the lounges where he established a rapport with everyone at the club.
Heartbroken daughter Megan, 21, said NHS staff looking after him had been "amazing" and the family "couldn't have asked for anymore."
Herself a Liverpool FC employee in the museum and tours department, she told the ECHO: "My dad was a gentleman.
"He did things for people, but he never wanted anything in return.
"I can't be more proud to call him my dad, my heart feels like it will burst when I think about him.
"He was my best friend, I followed him everywhere, he called me his 'shadow.'
"Now he's fine and in no pain.
"The doctors kept him as comfortable as they could.
"My dad was just too tired in the end, it was a fight he could never win."
Before he died, Megan and his wife Marie, 57, were allowed to be at his bedside, while wearing full personal protective equipment(PPE).
Megan spent 10 minutes with him, but with her mum keen her young daughter didn't see him at the very end, she left before his wife stayed with him until he passed away.
Nurses have given the Smith family the Liverpool FC shirt in which he was admitted to hospital which will be used at his forthcoming funeral.
Also to be placed in his coffin will be his comb, aftershave, chewing gum and tissues, all items personal to the hardworking dad, who also held down a second job at Parfetts cash and carry in Aintree for the last 30 years.
Liverpool FC are said to be making a flag for Paul's funeral and also handing the family his suit which he wore on matchdays in the Carlsberg lounge.
Messages have also reached the Smiths from Malta, Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Holland, with a personal message from the Scandinavian beer company.
Megan added: "My dad was fit and healthy, this virus is not discriminating against anyone.
"This will hit, and hit and hit if people keep going out and breaking the lockdown rules.
"We will keep losing loved ones.
"We don't want anyone to go through this pain.
"We can't dress my dad in his own clothes. It is a cruel way to die.
"It is taking precious moments away from loved ones. I could only touch him wearing a glove and couldn't kiss him goodbye."
Nurses gave the family a knitted heart, one which will stay with the family and another which is set to accompany Paul when he is laid to rest.
Paul Kelly, Liverpool FC's head steward, who was the 56-year-old's best friend, told the ECHO: "Paul will be sadly missed, it's shocking and nobody can get over it.
"He only lives two minutes from me, and my front now has so many flags in his memory.
"Paul was an amazing guy, you couldn't ask for a better mate.
"He was a massive family man and there for everyone."
