Past and present Chelsea stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to academy kit man Eric Asiedu, who has died in what the club has described as a 'sudden passing'.
Chelsea confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday but the cause was not given.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry was one of the first people to tweet about his passing, writing on social media on Tuesday: 'RIP ERIC. Heartbreaking news today. BOSS, you will be deeply missed
Reece James also paid an emotional tribute of his own, saying: 'Rest in Peace Eric. You were more than a kit man.
'You had a real clean heart, funny personality and always wanted the best for all the academy lads. Miss the days when I used to rummage for fresh Nike socks.
'Until we meet again, fly high and rest easy. Will miss you.'
Former Chelsea director Michal Emanalo responded to James's message and said: 'Well said Reece. Eric was a man’s man: caring, competent and and self-assured.
'His smile elevated your mood positively, and his laughter exploded your heart with joy! You’ll be sorely missed my brother, but loved forever. RIP'.
Mason Mount paid tribute himself on Instagram, writing: 'Eric was such a fundamental part of the academy, he couldn't do any more to advise and help us younger lands coming through.
'Absolutely devastated by the news, the most clean hearted and loving person. RIP bossman.'
Callum Hudson-Odoi also took to Instagram to say his own thank you, writing: 'This really hurts! RIP ERIC.
'You really helped me through a lot growing up in the academy and you was more than a Kit man, you was a good hearted man who wanted nothing but the best for everyone!
'Thank you for everything and may your soul rest in perfect peace.'
Michael Beale, who last week left his post as Steven Gerrard's No 2 at Aston Villa to become Queen's Park Rangers manager, also paid tribute. Beale previously worked in the youth setup at Chelsea.
'Such sad news. Rest in pace Eric,' Beale wrote. 'Top person, always smiling and friendly to all the academy staff & players in my time at Chelsea Academy.'
Jody Morris also paid tribute on Instagram with a picture of Asiedu, captioned 'RIP BOSSMAN'
In Chelsea's statement, head of youth development Neil Bath said: 'We are completely shocked and totally devastated to hear of Eric’s passing. When you get the good fortune to lead an organisation like an academy, you quickly realise that while players, coaches and staff get the public praise, there are key individuals behind the scenes who truly are the absolute key to developing and maintaining a successful culture.
‘Eric the boss man was a real example of the values we want to promote, a caring and supportive individual who created the sort of unity and family spirit that so many leaders struggle to find.
'It is impossible to put into words the depth of sadness we all feel at this news but the reaction from staff, parents and players, both current and past, gives a sense of the incredible love we all felt towards Eric.'
