Distraught fans pay tribute to 'real Hearts hero' and 'legend' Marius Zaliukas

Fans paid their tribute to 'real hero' Zaliukas. Picture: SNS

The Lithuanian holds the record for the most number of appearances by a foreign player.

Zaliukas won over sceptical fans during his time at Tynecastle to become a bona fide legend who lifted the cup after beating Hibs 5-1 in the famous 2012 final.

@DBruntz14: “RIP Zal. Actually can’t believe that. Cup winning captain.”

@SuperStevoe: “Utterly tragic news. Will always be a legend.”

@ThisMyStoryPod: “2020 can f*** off.”

@RFBorthwick: “Marius Zaliukas was every single Hearts fan when he walked up those steps in 2012. In tears, in awe. In maroon he excelled and wrote his name into an elite list of captains who have lifted that trophy. His name will forever by synonymous with the best derby win of all time. A real Heart of Midlothian legend. Rags to riches to Scottish Cup winning captain. Absolute hammer blow this news. Rest easy, Skipper”

@lawrencebroadie: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the LFF has announced Marius has passed away. A lovely guy, he took time to find his mojo at Hearts but when he did… Rest well, Zal.”

@TalkinTynie: “RIP Big Zal. Terrific servant to the club.”

@meestah_sahmon: “Oh captain, my captain.”

@ThomasVolka: “Horrible news. RIP captain.”

@jamiekborthwick: “Truly shocking news breaking during this match. Hearts cup winning captain Marius Zaliukas has died, aged 36. Confirmed here by the Lithuania Football Federation.”

@TheHeartsReview: “Zal was the leader of a team that gave us our greatest memory watching Hearts. RIP”

@jamb0skickback: “Honestly don’t have the words right now, but until words are available let’s just have a picture. This guy. We loved you a whole lot, Big Zal. Rest in peace.”

@FutureIsMaroon: “RIP big Zal! You will forever be remembered in Gorgie. So sad at only 36 years old.”

@The_FOH: “Awful, awful news about Marius Zaliukas. A real Hearts hero. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. 36 years old. Shocking.”

@MacTheDev: “Spent my formative years watching Zal transform from an absolute radge to a phenomenal defender. Always loved his mazy runs up the pitch. RIP Captain.”

@HeartsRant: “Absolutely devastating. As captain and cup winner in arguably the most iconic match in our history, your contribution will not be forgotten. Sleep tight, big Zal.”

@bighearts: “We can’t even find words. Rest easy Zal. A larger than life character who meant so much to us all.”

@AndrewM91132042: “Legend is thrown about easily. But big Marius absolutely fits the bill at Hearts. There, unfortunately, isn't that many cup winning captains. Then there is the captain that wins 5-1 against your biggest rivals. Horrible news. Rest easy.”

@DavidAJGray: “A truly bittersweet Saturday. We celebrate another derby win at Hampden and reaching another Cup Final, but losing Marius Žaliūkas, our 2012 Scottish Cup winning Captain, at 36, is a real wrench. RIP, Skipper”

@BigC1874: “Mourn his loss, but more importantly, celebrate his life. If he knew we were not celebrating another famous derby win, because of him, he’d slide tackle us all into row Z. #CelebrateForZal”

@mrrosshowie: “So very sad to hear about this. A great character, a great player and a cup winning legend gone too soon.”

@Trotski16: “Look what it meant for him to be Hearts captain. Absolutely gutted at the news.”