Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Arsene Wenger have paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier who died aged 73 on Monday.
The Frenchman managed the Reds from 1998-2004 and led them to five major trophies.
Houllier, who also managed the French national side, PSG, Lyon, and Aston Villa, oversaw Liverpool winning a FA Cup, League Cup, and Uefa Cup treble in 2000-01.
After his passing following a heart operation, tributes have flooded in for Houllier, who also played as a midfielder before taking up management.
Now fellow countrymen and friends Henry and Wenger have opened up about what Houllier meant to them.
The former Arsenal striker said he was a "mentor" to him and helped to develop him as a person and as a footballer.
He tweeted: "Devastated to hear the news about the passing of Gerard Houllier. He was more than just a coach to me. He was a mentor too.
"He gave me the armband for the France U17, U18 and U19 teams and we won the European Championship on the way to the U20 World Cup together.
"He helped me so much in my development. We met again in New York when he became my Sporting Director and we also spoke just recently.
"He was so knowledgeable and helpful to all those around him. Sad day and big loss for French Football. What a man and what a coach. #RIP"
Wenger's Arsenal did battle with Houllier's Liverpool on many occasions between 1998 and 2004.
And the old Arsenal boss said he spoke to him just a couple of days ago.
"He had the optimism of a manager. It’s such an injustice," Wenger said to L'Equipe.
"‘He was more fair play than me. I’d get annoyed, he’d smooth things over. Thanks to him, our friendship survived the clashes we had in games."
Liverpool and Aston Villa were quick to pay tribute to their former manager respectively.
"We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier," said Liverpool in a statement.
"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard's family and many friends."
Aston Villa added: "All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gerard Houllier, our manager during the 2010-11 season.
"Our thoughts are with Gerard's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
