Bruno Martini - the former France international goalkeeper - has died aged just 58.
The ex-Auxerre and Montpellier custodian suffered a heart-attack on October 12 and, despite being placed in intensive care, news of his death broke on Monday morning.
Martini made 31 appearances for his country, and was Michel Platini's first-choice keeper at Euro '92.
The agile goalkeeper rose to prominence under the great Guy Roux at Auxerre, replacing Joel Bats. Martini went on to make over 300 appearances for Auxerre, and helped them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1993.
Roux - now 82 - spoke warmly of Martini upon his passing, saying, "You know, I trained about 600 players at Auxerre in 45 years.
"Out of these 600, there are a dozen that I have stayed very close to. Bruno was one of them."
Roux revealed that Martini's father had also succumbed to a heart problem in the early 90s, and that it was he who helped inform his player of the sad news.
After 14-years at Auxerre, Martini played out the remainder of his career at Montpellier, who have described him as one of their most loyal servants, both on and off the pitch.
He joined their coaching staff in 2013, later taking the step up to co-caretaker alongside Pascal Baills in December of 2015.
His career in coaching began almost immediately after his playing days ended, and he served as goalkeeping coach under Jacques Santini for France's win at Euro 2000.
Former French goalkeepers Bernard Lama and Lionel Charbonnier tweeted their sadness at learning of their contemporary's passing.
"Beyond our sporting rivalry, we had finally become very close," Lama - who was chosen ahead of Martini at Euro 96 - said.
Charbonnier learned his trade under Martini at Auxerre and said, "Thank you for helping me become who I have been and who I am. A big, warm and loving thought to Marie [wife].
"It's a part of me, of us, of football history that you take with you. But who stays forever."
