A FOOTBALL club where trained Liam Payne trained for Soccer Aid has paid tribute to the former One Direction star after his tragic death.

Local police said the 31-year-old fell into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, before medics confirmed his death.

Following his sudden passing, Billericay Town FC, where Payne trained in preparation for Soccer Aid 2022 for which he was England's captain, have paid tribute to the late singer.

A spokesman shared: "We are very saddened to hear of the passing of former One Direction star Liam Payne.

"Liam trained at Billericay Town FC in April 2022 in preparation for Soccer Aid, for which he was England Captain. Our sincerest thoughts, prayers, and best wishes go out to his family, friends, and millions of fans. RIP Liam."

Payne formed boy band One Direction in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, after they individually auditioned for The X Factor.

After becoming one of the biggest pop groups in the world, with five albums and four world tours, they went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

His death has sparked an outpouring of sadness from friends, fellow celebrities and fans across the world.

Essex stars including Olly Murs have paid tribute to Liam on Instagram. The singer from Witham knew Liam through the television show, The X Factor.

Olly said: “This news is devastating; I am lost for words.

“We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked or our love for Becks, the old X Factor days, and tour we shared together.

“Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams.

“So to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his family, and of course his son, Bear, losing a dad. RIP Liam.”