MONDAY marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Rangers hero Davie Cooper, leading to tributes from around the world from some of football's biggest names.

Former Chelsea, AC Milan and Feyenoord midfielder Ruud Gullit was among those to pay their respects to the Ibrox legend, saying that even though he only played against Cooper once in a friendly, the Rangers star made a lasting impression.

"I played against him when I was a young kid," Gullit recalled. "At Feyenoord, we were invited to play a friendly in Scotland and then I saw this amazing left-footer. I always remember him.

"I never forgot him. I was always wondering where he was. People ask me who are the best players that I've met and played against, and Davie Cooper was one of them.

"It's a pity that he could never show his skills abroad in other competitions, in England for instance or in Italy, because he would be unbelievable.

"It's already 25 years ago [since Cooper died] and we have to celebrate him. Davie Cooper forever."