Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas have paid touching tributes to Michael Robinson following the tragic news that the former Liverpool striker has has died at the age of 61.
Robinson had been suffering from skin cancer and his family confirmed the news via his social media account on Tuesday morning.
The former striker, who the European Cup, Division One title and the League Cup in 1984 in his first - and only - full season with Liverpool, revealed in December 2018 he had been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma.
During a career which started with Preston, Robinson also played for Brighton, Manchester City, QPR and Osasuna. He scored four goals in 24 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
After his spell with Osasuna, Robinson remained in Spain, going on to develop a formidable career as a broadcaster.
The tributes started pouring in for Robinson, with Liverpool's former Spanish internationals Alonso and Luis Garcia taking to Twitter to pass on their condolences, as well as former Premier League star Fabregas.
Alonso wrote: "You'll never walk alone Michael!! Rest in peace."
Fabregas said: "Today leaves us a great person with a heart of gold. You leave without a doubt a great emptiness in the professional but more in the personal.
"We will miss you a lot @michaelrobinson Rest in peace, friend."
Garcia wrote: "R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! YNWA"
Spanish giants Barcelona said on the social networking site: "We at FC Barcelona wish to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Michael Robinson, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and ingenuity.
"He was the winner of the 2018 Vazquez Montalban International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace"
A tweet from Robinson's verified Twitter account on Tuesday confirmed the news, saying: "With tremendous sadness we tell you about Michael's passing.
"It leaves us with a great emptiness, but also countless memories, filled with the same love that you have shown for him.
"We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you."
