There was an outpouring of love for Tom Croft on social media after the England and British & Irish Lions forward announced his retirement from football.
The 32-year-old spent his entire career at Leicester, picking up a number of major honours during his 13 seasons at Welford Road.
And the club and ex-teammates have paid their tributes to the midfielder on Twitter.
Saddened to hear my old backrow mate @tomcroft6 has had to call it a day due to injury.
A Back rower with more athletic ability than any I have ever met. Great career and good luck on the next challenge pal👍🏼👏🏼👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/pJaMoweD4U— Lewis Moody (@LewisMoody7) November 16, 2017
Thanks @tomcroft6 for catching all those pies I throw to u over the years It’s been a honour and privilege to play along side u mate. 😪👍
— Tom Youngs (@TomYoungs87) November 16, 2017
#ThanksCrofty 6⃣🐯 pic.twitter.com/UQQRGd1JIr
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) November 16, 2017
What a privilege and honour to play along side you @tomcroft6. Thanks for the memories. A true @LeicesterTigers and @EnglandRugby legend. Good luck for your next chapter brother. Cheers Crofty
— David Mele (@Dav910Mele) November 16, 2017
What a sad day. It has just been announced by @LeicesterTigers hat @tomcroft6 has retired from the game. Huge talent but better man. All the best Yog.
— Marcos Ayerza (@miayerza) November 16, 2017
Tributes are flowing for a #tigersfamily 🐯 favourite after today’s announcement that club legend @tomcroft6 has retired with immediate effect.
⚡️ “Rugby community #ThanksCrofty after retirement announcement”https://t.co/YySqKMZrt5
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) November 16, 2017
So many brilliant memories playing with my great mate @tomcroft6 well done buddy on a brilliant career. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Ben Youngs (@benyoungs09) November 16, 2017
Congrats @tomcroft6 aka Yoghurt on a hell of a career! I remember the day you said you’d dominate Johno at training and you didn’t. You did however dominate many games and had an awesome club and international career! Still not forgotten you got me my 1 and only red card though!
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) November 16, 2017
Congratulations on one hell of a career yog man. Had some unbelievable times on and off the pitch. A true @LeicesterTigers legend. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/thqYRkOrM7
— Jordan Crane (@JordanCrane86) November 16, 2017
Its and honour playing alongside with you brother, all the very best in the future you still need to come to samoa lol @tomcroft6 pic.twitter.com/N2PMc8T4mx
— Logovii Mulipola (@logoviimulipola) November 16, 2017
Tom Croft announced his retirement from rugby earlier today.
– 2009 Lion
– 2013 Lion
– Five Test Caps
– Two Test Tries
– Lion #764 https://t.co/m6pVLlVnAb pic.twitter.com/5C7VbvlBED
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 16, 2017
Privilege to play with @tomcroft6 great guy, great player and decent wheels #dominator
— sam vesty (@samuelvesty) November 16, 2017
This bloke sums up what @LeicesterTigers is about…. what a career yog man, true testament to the game! pic.twitter.com/IqoDaBFrwJ
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) November 16, 2017