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Former City star Kevin Horlock has paid an emotional tribute to ex-team-mate Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed and died ten years ago today.

The Londoner, who played alongside Foe in the 2002-03 season, recalled his horror when he learned of his pal’s sudden death.

Horlock told M.E.N. Sport it was 'a bombshell’, added that the Cameroonian was ‘the complete midfielder’ and revealed that he dreamt of a return to City.

Foe was 28 when he collapsed playing for his country in the 72nd minute of their Confederations Cup semi-final against Columbia on June 26, 2003 at Lyon’s Stade de Gerland.

He died a short time later, a victim of sudden unexpected cardiac death syndrome.

Foe had spent the previous season alongside Horlock in the Blues’ engine room after Kevin Keegan signed him on loan from Lyon.

He made 38 combative appearances and scored nine goals as City finished ninth. His second goal against Sunderland in a 3-0 Premier League win was the last scored by a Blue at Maine Road.

Horlock, 40, spoke of his shock at the anniversary.

“It’s scary that it is 10 years ago,” he said. “It seems like yesterday.

“It was such a shock. He was a great athlete, a great footballer and even more than that, a great bloke.”

Londoner Horlock added that he still remembered the day and the last time he saw his pal.

“At the end of the season we went out for drinks on Deansgate and he came with his family and was of the mindset that he wanted to come back and play for City.

“I was on holiday in Spain and was watching the game on and off. I heard that he had collapsed but I didn’t know how serious it was until I got a call from the club about an hour later.

“It was a bombshell.”

Horlock hailed Foe’s style and joked that me made his life easier.

“He was a fair old size and he covered every blade of grass,” he said. “He did a lot of my running and he took some stopping.

“He was one of those players that gave everything and the fans loved that and so did the players.

“I don’t think I have ever seen a picture of him where he doesn’t have a big smile on his face. He made the changing room a better place.

“I’ll remember his laugh and I will be thinking about not just him but his family who must have a massive hole in their lives.”

In April City fans and supporters of West Ham, another of Foe’s old clubs, honoured his memory in a tribute at The Etihad.

Blues legend Mike Summerbee, now a club ambassador, said: “In his short career at Manchester City, Marc-Vivien Foe made a huge impression, not only on the pitch, but off it too and was a very popular figure among supporters, staff and team-mates alike.

“He is still sadly missed by everyone at the club.”

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