Wales manager Gary Speed has been found hanging at his home in Cheshire, it was revealed today.
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton star, who appeared on BBC's Football Focus show yesterday, was aged 42.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. It is believed to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.
In a statement released on their website, The Football Association of Wales 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.'
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: 'At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, 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.
Gary Speed married wife Louise in 1996. The couple have two children Tommy and Ed.A keen Everton fan, as a youngster Speed attended Hawarden High School.
He began his professional career with Leeds United making his debut at the age of 19, alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty.
He then moved to Everton in 1996 for a fee of £3.5million captaining the club before moving to Newcastle in 1998 for £5.5million.
He then went to Bolton Wanderers in 2004 where in 2006 he became the first player in history to make 500 appearances in the Premiership.
He moved to Sheffield United making his debut on New Years Day 2008 but a back injury that November forced him to retire as a player.
During his international career he played in the Wales side of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall and Dean Saunders.
He captained Wales until hid retirement from international football in 2004. He has been capped for Wales 85 times making him the most capped outfield player.
Appointed an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours.
'There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'
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