Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Former Liverpool and France manager Gérard Houllier has died at the age of 73.
Houllier had undergone heart surgery in Paris, France before his death.
Liverpool issued a statement in recognition of the manager who led them to the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000/01. The club said on Twitter:
We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gérard Houllier. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gérard Houllier 1947-2020.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who is now a football pundit with Sky, wrote on Twitter:
Absolutely devastated by the news about Gérard 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.
Another Liverpool legend, Michael Owen, who was part of the Liverpool side that won the treble in 2001 tweeted:
Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man.
Houllier had had a long history of medical problems and had heart surgery in 2001 after falling ill while managing Liverpool against Leeds United.
After a spell back in his homeland with Lyon, Houllier went on to manage Aston Villa for one season before working as a consultant for Red Bull’s football network.
Aston Villa also paid tribute to the late Houllier. The club said in a statement:
All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season. Our thoughts are with Gérard’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
