Wales football boss Gary Speed has died at the age of 42, the Football Association of Wales has confirmed in a statement.
It has been reported that he was found hanged at his home in Cheshire on Sunday.
in a statement the FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.
“We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”
The FAW has not revealed the circumstances of the death of the former Leeds, Newcastle and Wales midfielder.
The Daily Telegraph and other news organisations have reported that Speed was apparently found hanged at his home in Chester this morning.
Police say there are no supsicious circumstances surrounding the 42-year-old’s death.
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.
“Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones paid tribute to the footballing star and said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gary Speed. This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them.”
Caerphilly-born Arsenal and Wales star Aaron Ramsay has paid tribute to Gary Speed through Twitter.
He said: “I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David tweeted: “The death of Gary Speed is a terrible tragedy. Like everyone else I am really stunned and shocked.”
In a statement released by the FAW, chief executive Jonathan Ford and president Phil Pritchard both paid tribute.
Ford said: “I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time.”
Pritchard added: “I am completely shocked by this terrible news and my thoughts are with his family. We will do whatever we can as an association to help them in this difficult time.”
Speed was appointed Wales manager in December 2010 after a 22-year professional football career with the likes of Everton, Newcastle and Leeds – with which he won the the championship in 1992. He retired from playing in 2010 and took-up his first managerial post with Sheffield United before Wales.
He won 85 international caps with Wales over 14 years and had recently overseen as manager a return to form for the national team with four wins out of five.
Speed was honoured with an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours.
He leaves a wife and two children.