Tributes have been pouring in for former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, who has died aged 76.

The former Fulham, Ipswich, Newcastle, Barcelona and England manager lost his 17-year fight against cancer in the early hours with his wife Elsie and his children at his side.

Just five days ago thousands of football fans crowded into Newcastle United's St James's Park to pay tribute to Sir Bobby and raise funds for his cancer charity.

Life in pictures: Sir Bobby Robson

The friendly game featured an England side including Alan Shearer and several members of the 1990 World Cup squad, including Paul Gascoigne. They beat a Germany team 3-2.

Today figures from the footballing world paid tribute...

Sir Alex Ferguson - Manchester United manager

"I was never too big or proud to ask him for advice which he gave freely and unconditionally. And I'm sure I am speaking for a lot of people when I say that.

"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson. I mourn the passing of a great friend; a wonderful individual; a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed."

Fabio Capello - England manager

"Earlier this year I spent some time with Bobby when he opened the new cancer treatment centre, for which he worked so hard to raise funds.

"He was a fantastic man, and loved by so many people. His spirit and courage was incredible. To fight cancer so many times really showed the strength of the man.

"His passion for football shone through. He loved the game and was extremely proud of his country and the North East."

Bryan Robson - Sir Bobby's captain of England

"He called me his Captain Marvel and it stuck for the rest of my playing career.

"I have never come across anybody with such a passion for football. We had a tremendous personal relationship as manager and skipper.

"Any criticism he had of a player was kept very private; publicly he gave all of us his total backing. We stayed pretty close even towards the end.

"He will be missed by everybody who knew him."

Alan Shearer - Robson's skipper at Newcastle

"He will be sadly missed by everyone, not just by people in the football world but from all walks of life.

"It's a very sad day for everyone, especially his family, his close friends and anyone who's ever worked with him."

Freddy Shepherd - Robson's chairman at Newcastle

"It's very, very sad, especially here on Tyneside. The whole city will be grieving this morning. He was certainly the best manager I worked with."

Gary Lineker - Robson's striker for England

"He had a tremendous enthusiasm and passion for football and life. I have the fondest memories of playing for him at two World Cups in 1986 and 90."

Glenn Hoddle - Robson's midfielder in 1986

"We had a fantastic squad in 86 - who knows what could have happened if Maradona had not scored the 'hand of God' goal. You can see how respected he was around the world."

Steve McClaren - Former England manager

"I had a cup of tea with him a couple of months ago in his home. He was fighting as he always did but you could tell time was passing. The game will be worse for Bobby Robson leaving us.

"I saw a programme once on him and the great players around the world adored Sir Bobby Robson because of his sheer passion.

"He did it the right way. Clubs loved working with him, players loved working with him - such a character."

Howard Wilkinson - Chairman of the LMA

"When you look at Sir Bobby's career as a player, a coach and a manager, he did the lot - top class amateur and international player, successful club manager at home and abroad, England's second most successful manager.

"But he was much more than that, an honest, passionate, determined, modest, generous, vulnerable, resilient, courageous, selfless individual. I know not one person who did not come to like, admire, even love him."

Jose Mourinho - Robson's interpreter at Barcelona

"I hadn't spoken to him in the last two months because it was hard for me.

"It was hard because I didn't want to think that he was dying, that wasn't the image that I wanted to keep with me forever of Bobby Robson, that wasn't the voice I wanted to hear.

"I wanted to and I will keep with me always the Bobby Robson of every day, a person who had extraordinary passion for life and for football.

"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die."

Life in pictures: Sir Bobby Robson