Iconic former Liverpool manager dead at 73

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has died, aged 73.

The Frenchman reportedly died overnight, just three weeks after he underwent aortic aneurysm surgery.

Houllier was discharged from hospital and returned home yesterday before he unexpectedly died according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The French football manager spent six years at Liverpool between 1998 and 2004 where he famously led the club to their cup treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in the 2000-01 season. The Reds also won the UEFA Super Cup in 2001.

Steven Gerrard of Liverpool receives an award from Gerard Houllier and Ian Ayre Chief Executive of Liverpool FC during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 16, 2015 in Liverpool

He finished up his career at Anfield with a record of 160 wins from 307 matches.

After leaving Liverpool, Houllier then led Lyon to two French titles before returning to the English Premier League to become the manager of Aston Villa in 2010.

Houllier earlier in his career was also the one in charge of the French national team between 1992 and 1993.

Gerard Houllier

The 73-year-old, who also managed Paris St Germain, in 2001 was the European Coach of the Year, World Soccer Magazine World Manager of the Year and Onze d'Or Coach of the Year.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen led an outpouring of tributes to Houllier on social media.

https://twitter.com/themichaelowen/status/1338431445514252290https://twitter.com/DaveOCKOP/status/1338433096761421828https://twitter.com/IanDoyleSport/status/1338434098868654080https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1338426599235006465

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