"I just can't believe it, it is absolutely incredible, it's awful," said an emotional Fowler. "Marc was such a genuine person, one of the most popular players in the squad at City and this is just tragic news.
"I was with him a few weeks ago at the end of the season, and thought that I would see him at the start of the new season, because we all believed he would re-sign for City.
"What can I say? I know all the lads will miss him because he was a great character, one of the nice men in the squad. He was an incredible athlete too. He had one of those physiques, which showed just how much he put into looking after himself. It is so unbelievable and I feel so sorry for his family, as do all the City players."
"It's hard to believe that we won't be seeing him again at the start of the season. We all hoped that he would be able to resolve his contract situation at Lyon and be able to join us permanently. We though that he had done that and would be coming back. I can't believe that this had happened. It's just terrible. He was so young and had so much in front of him. I know that we will all miss him so much."