Bradley Lowery dead: Footballers pay tribute to six-year-old after he loses battle with cancer

Six-year-old has died after a long battle with a rare form of cancer

Bradley Lowery pictured with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe (Getty)

Footballers have lead the tributes to Bradley Lowery who has died after a battle with a rare form of cancer.

The six-year-old's parents announced on Facebook that he had died peacefully "surrounded by his family".

Stoke City's Charlie Adam and Southampton's Charlie Austin led the tributes to the little boy saying their "thoughts [were] with his family and friends".

In a statement, Sunderland football club, of which Bradley was a big fan, said: "Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms.

"Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all. He was truly an inspiration.

"His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met.

"He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see. Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken.

"Bradley's story not only touched our club and our fans, but also the wider football community.

"Football can be a powerful force for good and our sport came together to embrace Bradley's fight in a unique way."

Other figures from the sporting world also paid tribute with former footballer and presenter Gary Lineker tweeting that he was "terribly sad" calling him "an inspiration to the end".

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it was "Heartbreaking to hear that Bradley Lowery has died. I'll never forget images of Defoe & Bradley when he was Sunderland and England's mascot."

Defoe, who became Bradley's "best friend" after he held his hand during a walkout at an England game earlier this year, has not commented on Bradley's death so far but broke down in tears at when asked about his condition at a press conference earlier this weel

He said: "It has been hard because I've been keeping this in for so long, trying to be strong for my family and his family.

"I don't really know how to put into words how I feel. It has been a special time having that relationship with Brad.

"I speak to the family every day, I was with them a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that.