Former Manchester United star has paid tribute friend and colleague Ray Wilkins after the 61-year-old passed away earlier this week.

Wilkins was pronounced dead yesterday after suffering a cardiac arrest last week.

The Englishman, who also spent time with Chelsea, AC Milan and PSG, made 160 appearances for United in the late 70’s and early 80’s, and was capped 84 times by his country.

Robson, who spent time with Wilkins at both United and with England, says football has lost one of the game’s most liked and revered personalities following his sad passing.

“If everybody was like him, the world would be a better place,” said United ambassador Robson on MUTV. “The thing about Ray is he was such a great guy and such a gentleman.”

“I’ve even seen messages from Italy,” added Robson. “And how much they respected him as he played over at AC Milan. Ray will be remembered as a great player and a fantastic person. I’d like to pass on my condolences to Jackie and his family.”

A number of Wilkins other former colleagues have also paid tribute to him following yesterday’s tragic news.

Gary Lineker said: “One thing that shines through is what a wonderful human being he was. He was just a delightfully charming man. He always very positive, and someone who was massively supportive when I first broke into the national team.”

Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton, another international team-mate, said he was “devastated” by the news of Wilkins’ death.

“He loved football, he was a connoisseur of the game, he was articulate and was a leader on and off the pitch,” he said. “He was a great lad, Ray.”