France, June 18 -- Former Olympic Lyonnais supremo Jean-Michel Aulas led the tributes on Wednesday to the former Lyon, Bordeaux and France striker Bernard Lacombe, who died on Tuesday night at the age of 72.

Lacombe, who started his playing career as a 17-year-old at Lyon in 1969, returned to the club at the end of the 1980s as an executive.

He spent just over three decades in the corridors of power as sporting director, head coach and as Aulas's counsellor and enforcer.

"You gave us so much: to OL, to the French national team, and to all those lucky enough to know you," said Aulas on social media.

"I know you rest in peace. Because beyond being an exceptional footballer, you were a profoundly kind and funny man - a dear friend.

"I l...