The world of football has paid tribute to six-year-old mascot Bradley Lowery who died after bravely battling a rare childhood cancer.
Stars including ex-England captains Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer shared their sorrow at the loss of the little Sunderland fan whose remarkable friendship with star striker Jermain Defoe touched thousands of people.
He died at home in Blackhall, County Durham, in his parents' arms on Friday, surrounded by his family.
In a statement on the family's Facebook page, his mother Gemma Lowery said: "He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.
"There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.
"Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels."
Bradley and Defoe were pictured snuggled up together at the youngster's home last week after the little boy had a party in bed as a way of saying goodbye.
The day before Bradley died, Defoe paid tearful tribute at a news conference with his new club Bournemouth, saying: "There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about little Bradley because his love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes.
"It is special."
Sunderland said Defoe was "heartbroken".
Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland several times last season and found a place in the hearts of thousands of football fans around the world.
The club said he was an "inspiration" and expressed its love to his mother, father Carl and brother Kieran.
Sunderland AFC said in a statement: "Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms."
Supporters of different clubs made banners and chanted his name at games.
He was an England mascot at Wembley when Defoe scored on his return to the Three Lions side.
Defoe was guest of honour at a huge party thrown for Bradley's sixth birthday in May.
Supporters had hoped a massive fundraising effort last year could get him to the US for pioneering treatment for the childhood cancer neuroblastoma, but his heartbroken family announced at Christmas that his cancer was terminal.
They kept his many well-wishers around the world up to date by using social media and in his final days, his mother revealed that Bradley's health was deteriorating quickly.
Former England striker Lineker, who hosted the Sports Personality Of The Year awards at which Bradley was a special guest last year, said Bradley was a "warrior and an inspiration to the end".
Jordan Pickford, who played in goal for Sunderland in the past season, posted on Instagram: "Rest in peace Bradley Lowery, such an inspiration to us all #theresonlyone."
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright praised the Lowery family, saying: "God bless you, you've done a magnificent job through the plight of your brave boy to bring awareness to this disease.
"May he rest in peace.X"
Former England captain and Match Of The Day pundit Shearer tweeted: "So sorry that little @Bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut way too short. Thoughts with his amazing family & friends RIP."
Sunderland played a pre-season friendly at Bury just hours after the announcement of Bradley's death, with the home side donating money raised from ticket sales to Bradley's charity.
A minute's applause was held for Bradley before kick-off, with Bury posting later: "Result means nothing, its all about Bradley Lowery this evening - condolences from all at Bury FC to the Lowery family #buryfc #ripbradley"