France, Dec. 26 -- Gasset, who was born in Montpellier, went through the youth ranks at nearby AS Beziers before joining his home town team in 1975.

The midfielder stayed at the club as it rose from the eighth tier of French football to the top flight by the time he hung up his boots in 1975.

"A child of the club, he left his mark on everyone who crossed his path through his professionalism, kindness, and desire to pass on his knowledge," said a Montpellier club statement. "We have lost an emblematic figure.

"Our sadness is immense when we remember his smile, his unmistakable voice."

France skipper Kylian Mbappe added his condolences."A football encyclopedia has left us," wrote the 27-year-old Real Madrid star on social media.

"Thank...