Wilkins passed away earlier this week after suffering a cardiac arrest last month

Former Queens Park Rangers midfielder and manager Ray Wilkins has been described as an “absolute gentlemen” and a “fierce winner” after the former England captain died in hospital following a cardiac arrest. He was 61.

Wilkins, who won 84 caps for his country from 1976-86, had been treated in St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south-west London, but passed away on April 4.

Andy Sinton, who played for QPR with Wilkins in the 1990s, was one of many footballers to take to Twitter to express their shock at the former England captain’s passing.

Sinton posted: “He was my idol, my inspiration, my team-mate, but more importantly than that, he was my mate. I’ll miss him more than he’ll have ever known. Condolences to his family, especially Jackie. RIP Razor. #QPR.”

Former Three Lions team-mates Gary Lineker, Terry Butcher and Peter Reid all spoke warmly about Wilkins’ personality as well as talent on the pitch.

Lineker said on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. A wonderful footballer and a delightful man. It was a pleasure to have played alongside him with England. No teammate was more helpful and supportive. I’ll be forever grateful. Thoughts are with his family. £RIPRay”

Terry Butcher told Sky Sports News HQ: “I think it’s a difficult time for all of football, not just his family and friends because I don’t know anybody that had a bad word to say about Ray at all - on or off the pitch.

“He was just an absolute gentlemen but a fierce winner. It was an absolute pleasure and a real privilege to play with him and I just can’t believe it.

“He was such a charismatic character, great in the dressing room, great on the pitch but he wanted football played the right way. He wanted to get it and pass it, he would tell you things on the pitch and encourage you.

“We’ve lost an unbelievable character, an unbelievable gentleman and an unbelievable football player.”

Peter Reid added on Sky Sports News HQ: “He was an absolutely outstanding, outstanding human being.

“His legacy would be ‘win, lose or draw, you’ve always got to have class’ and that’s what Ray Wilkins was.”