Tributes have been paid to former Rovers midfielder Peter Whittingham who has passed away at the age of 35.

Police revealed on Wednesday that Whittingham remained in hospital following an ‘accidental fall’ at a licensed premises in Barry on March 7.

Cardiff City, where Whittingham spent 10 years as a player, confirmed on Thursday afternoon the tragic news of his death.

Whittingham spent 12 months at Ewood Park, signing for Rovers ahead of the League One promotion-winning campaign in which he played 21 times, after ending his 10-year association with the Bluebirds.

Whittingham’s career spanned 15 years, playing 575 times, with 10 years spent at Cardiff City.

A club statement read: “It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. We are heartbroken.

“The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family.

“They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.

“First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.

“The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.”

A Rovers spokesman said: "The thoughts of everyone at Rovers are with Peter's wife Amanda, their young son and family at this very difficult time."

Adam Armstrong wrote on social media: "Terrible news😢 Rest in peace Whitt’s! Was an honour to have shared the pitch with you! Thoughts go out to your family! ❤️ #legend"

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was among those to pay tribute to Whittingham having worked with him at Cardiff.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham," he said.

"Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. It's hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.

"Peter will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."

Whittingham also had a month's loan spell at Burnley in 2005, and the Clarets also paid tribute to the former England Under-21 international.