Following the sad news that broke on Monday night of the passing of Liverpool legend Gerard Houllier, Sir Alex Ferguson has poured out an emotional tribute.

The cause of the former Liverpool manager’s death remains unknown, but a host of current and former players have all paid tribute to the legend. Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Jurgen Klopp, Didi Hamann, Phil Thompson, and even different clubs joined the footballing world to pour out condolences following Houllier’s demise.

Sir Alex said the news of the death was a shock to him and insisted that even at the age of 73, Houllier was a young man. The former Manchester United manager also added that he and Houllier were very good friends when he was at Liverpool, and they remained friends even after his departure.

Sir Alex continued that Houllier had a fantastic knowledge of football and was a vast individual. Sir Alex included by saying even at several UEFA events, he and Houllier would chat and have fun despite being representatives of rival clubs.

In 1998, Gerard Houllier was appointed Liverpool boss and arrived at Anfield in the summer of that year. He was first appointed as a co-manager, working alongside Roy Evans before he was later announced as the sole manager in November of that same year.

During his successful stint at Liverpool, Houllier went on to become a club legend as he steered the Reds to a cup treble in the 2000/01 season following a brilliant domestic campaign.

He also won the League Cup two years later and completed a remarkable stint at Liverpool. He is particularly credited for the development of former midfielder Steven Gerrard at the club.

After he left Liverpool, he went on to coach French side Lyon and Aston Villa.