Former captain, manager and now Life President Tony Book
“He was a very special person, not only as a footballer but as a man – he was just tops and I can’t believe he’s gone.
“He is irreplaceable. We had some great times together and I’ll miss him terribly.
“It’s an awful shock and it has hit me very hard, I can promise you.”
Club Ambassador Mike Summerbee
“I am devastated to hear of Colin’s passing. He was more than just a team mate and an incredible footballer, he was wonderful human being and a true friend.
"Colin was a lovely, humble man. He was a huge star for Manchester City but you would never have known it.
“When I think about him, I simply think of quality - just sheer quality. We never singled out individuals in the team we played in, but there’s no doubt in my mind that he was the greatest.
“The complete player, the complete athlete, the complete person. My condolences to Marie, Jon, Dawn and his wonderful grandchildren. We have lost someone special today.
“He was quiet, unassuming and I always believe he never knew how good he actually was. He was just the greatest footballer we have ever had.
“Kevin
De Bruyne reminds me a lot of Colin in the way he plays and the way he is as a person.
“Colin was very close to all of us and particularly Tony Book – they used to go to the games together and I only briefly spoke with Tony this evening because it has hit him very hard, as it has all of us.
“Even though I knew he’d been poorly for a while; I wasn’t expecting to lose him – it’s a complete shock.
“He was very nice man and when you are very close to someone, you don’t have to see them every day or week or even month – there is a friendship and a bond from playing, training, and working together for so many years that will always be there.
“He was adored by the City fans and for our supporters to say he is the best they gave ever seen, you don’t get a better compliment than that, do you?
“He was very special and he will be very sadly missed.”