Former Liverpool and France manager Gerard Houllier has passed away at the age of 73.
The news comes after the Frenchman had undergone a heart operation three weeks ago in Paris and was later discharged from the hospital. Houllier had returned home on Sunday but tragically died overnight.
Gerard Houllier arrived at Liverpool as the joint-manager with Roy Evans in the summer of 1998, before taking the sole responsibility just four months later.
We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 14, 2020
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends.
Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020. pic.twitter.com/isHGXIfe5E
During his six-year stint at Anfield, Houllier helped the Reds win the FA Cup, two League Cups and the UEFA Cup, among other club titles.
Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss pic.twitter.com/klbkY3MCo4
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) December 14, 2020
Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss. 💔
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 14, 2020
After his successful managerial career at Liverpool, Houllier returned to France where he managed Lyon before returning to the Premier League to manage Aston Villa.
All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 14, 2020
Our thoughts are with Gérard's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
💜 pic.twitter.com/SakKrrT4ic
Interestingly, he had also managed Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team before taking over at Liverpool.
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que le Paris Saint-Germain a appris le décès de son ancien entraîneur Gérard Houllier.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 14, 2020
À sa famille, à ses proches, le Paris Saint-Germain présente ses plus sincères condoléances. ❤️💙
Former England forward Gary Lineker took to Twitter and described him as “one of football’s smartest, warmest and loveliest people”.
Oh no! Gerard Houllier has passed away. One of football’s smartest, warmest and loveliest people. #RIPGerard
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 14, 2020
Tributes have started to pour in after the devastating news on Monday morning.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gérard Houllier. All of our thoughts are with Gérard's family and friends at this difficult time.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 14, 2020
Rest in peace, Gérard. pic.twitter.com/F8B45u4kFD
Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 14, 2020
The thoughts of everyone at City are with Gerard's family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/R5k05cWD91
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Adrian Dennis
