A packed congregation included City boss Kevin Keegan, most of Foe’s former team-mates, plus Wardle and his board of directors.

They heard Reverend Canon Paul Denby describe Foe as a “smiley man” whose death last month at the age of 28 has shocked the football world.

Many of the congregation were in tears as Foe’s life was remembered.

A picture of the Cameroon midfielder was placed in front of the alter and eight-year-old fan Stevie Hampson of Longsight paraded Foe’s number 23 shirt which has now been retired by the club as a mark of respect.

Wardle said Foe, who collapsed and died while playing for his country during their Confederations Cup semi-final against Columbia in Lyon last month, was “always described as a gentle giant, and that seems perfect”.

Wardle added: “We all carry our memories of Marc and we all remember what a colourful person and a colourful character he was.

“Many times he would come off the training ground and we would look at him and his colourful gear – but he never gave me that Armani cap,” he said, to laughter from his audience.

Foe, who left a wife and three children, is to be honoured by City at their new Eastlands home and it is likely a match between City and another of Foe’s former clubs, West Ham will be played in aid of his development work in Cameroon some time in September.

Wardle continued: “He was a man who loved his wife and children very much.

“He also came to me and asked if it was possible to send a large consignment of sports equipment for the children he worked with in Cameroon. That is the type of man he was.

“We will miss that smile and we will always remember him not just as a player but also as a friend. It was a great privilege to have known him.”