Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, and France Manager, Gerard Houllier has died at 73. RMC sport and sports daily, L’Equipe, confirmed that he had died following a heart operation in Paris.
In a statement, Liverpool said: “Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of former manager, Gerard Houllier, aged 73.
‘The Frenchman was in charge of the Reds for six seasons, leading his team to a historic and unforgettable treble of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2000-01 and returning the club to the Champions League.
‘Houllier – who recovered from life-saving heart surgery during the 2001-02 campaign to return to the dugout – later guided Liverpool to a second League Cup triumph of his tenure in 2003 and departed the following year having overseen 307 matches and successfully re-established the club as a modern force.
‘Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the loss of Gerard and our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Former Liverpool legend Michael Owen paid tribute to Houllier on Twitter: ‘Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gerard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manage and a genuinely caring man.’
Jamie Carragher also said he was devastated by the news of Houllier’s death. The former defender wrote on Twitter: ‘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 and as a player and got LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss.’
Aston Villa added on Twitter: ‘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 Gérard’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.’
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Former Liverpool forward Ian Rush tweeted: “Devastated at the passing of Gerard Houllier. A true gentleman of the game, always put others first @LFC #RIP.”P
Nelson Okoh
Photo Credit: LFC History