Marius Zaliukas: Robbie Neilson, Craig Gordon and former Hearts stars Rudi Skacel, Ryan McGowan amongst ex-team-mates to pay tribute to Scottish Cup-winning captain

Former Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas has died aged 36. Fans and former colleagues paid tribute. Picture: SNS

News broke this afternoon of the Tynecastle legend's death at the age of 36.

It was one which shocked and left family, former colleagues and fans devastated with the Lithuanian a popular figure at the club during his time where he captained Hearts to Scottish Cup success over Hibs in 2012.

Danny Grainger: “Cannot believe the news I’m hearing about big Zal. RIP skipper.

Andrew Driver: “Those Lithuanians that came to hearts were up against it from day one. All of them were brilliant in their own right. Big zal though ended up captain against all odds. Took us to win the cup. Scored winners against hibs. He was also someone you were happy to see everyday.

Rudi Skacel: “RIP skipper. It was a pleasure #legend.”

Ryan Stevenson: “I can't find the words right now. Absolutely devastated to hear the news. Rest easy skip. MZ26 forever our skipper and forever our hero. RIP brother.”

Ryan McGowan: “RIP Skipper....some things bigger than Football! Gone too soon #Legend”

Robbie Neilson: “I’m absolutely devastated to be honest with you. I found out right before the game, they players didn’t know and only found out after the game.

“We send our condolences out to his family. I know Marius very well.

“It’s fitting that we’ve managed to beat Hibs at Hampden, when you think about Marius as a Hearts player it’s that 5-1 game and the cup that was the poignant moment.

“So hopefully we can give his family some sort of comfort today.”

Neil McCann: “I’m shocked. Condolences to his family. He was a really, really nice big guy. What a nice man he was. I can’t say enough nice things about him. He was a good footballer.”

Kevin Kyle: “Just hearing the sad news of big Marius Zaliukas, very sad indeed, a great big guy and captain around the dressing room, thoughts are with his family.”

Craig Gordon: "It will be an emotional day, not just for me. We heard of Marius Zaliukas earlier, so this is for him and his family. He was there with us today keeping some of those balls out."