Former Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend is shocked by the sudden death of Ugo Ehiogu.
Townsend played alongside the England international in the club's victory over Leeds in the League Cup Final 21 years ago.
Townsend said: “I'm absolutely shocked. I heard he had collapsed on the Spurs training ground. But I didn't expect to wake up to this news.
“I remember the 3-0 win over Leeds [in the League Cup Final]. I looked at pictures at home this morning and Ugo is in them celebrating.
“I've often wondered with professional sportsmen... you're conditioned for so long, but no doubt players have sometimes suffered when they pack up.
“But in Ugo's case he was on the training pitch at Tottenham. He would have stayed active. When I last saw him he was a picture of health."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was in the same Middlesbrough team as Ehiogu between 2004-6.
He said: “I continued to speak to him on and off because we are still in the same industry. He was such a nice guy. I had to stop the car because I heard the news while I was driving.
“He was always a positive guy and knew what to say. He was very calm and never put himself in trouble."
Source: tribalfootball.com