'I will love you forever': Russell Crowe pays heartfelt tribute to cousin Martin Crowe after former New Zealand cricketer's tragic death

Russell Crowe has paid an emotional tribute to his cousin, former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe, telling him: 'I will love you forever.' 

Taking to Twitter on Thursday in the hours after his death, Crowe said: 'My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP M.D.Crowe. 

Martin died on Thursday aged 43 following a four-year battle with cancer.   

Scroll down for video 

'I will love you forever': Russell Crowe has made an emotional tribute to his cousin Martin Crowe, who passed away on Thursday after a four-year battle with cancer

Cricket fans across the world were quick to express their grief on social media about his death.

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of Martin Crowe this morning. An inspiration to me and so many others. One of the true greats.’

‘You will always be a legend in my eyes. Thank you for all your help and advice. Now you can rest easy my friend. Miss you already,’ wrote former Australia captain Michael Clarke.

Heartbroken: ‘My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP M.D.Crowe,’ the 51-year-old star wrote on his Twitter account, shortly after the tragic news was announced

Tragic: Earlier, Martin Crowe's immediate family releaved in a statement that the sportsman died in Auckland on Thursday surrounded by close family and friends 

New Zealand Prime Minister John Ken said: ‘He was a world-class athlete whose exploits on the pitch endeared him to cricket fans around the world, whose leadership helped propel our Black Caps to the 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final and whose tutelage has helped the next generation to excel.’

Earlier, Martin Crowe's immediate family releaved in a statement that the sportsman died in Auckland on Thursday surrounded by close family and friends.

'It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, MBE advise his death,' the statement said.

Crowe, aged 53, had been diagnosed with lymphoma in October 2012 and underwent treatment for the cancer but it returned in September 2014.

He is survived by wife, a former Miss Universe, Lorraine Downes, daughter Emma and step-children Hilton and Jasmine. 

Sad news: The sporting legend announced in 2012 he had been diagnosed with lymphoma after a distinguished cricket career

Talented: Crowe spent 14 years playing for the Black Caps around the world

Doctors identified his condition as double-hit lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood disease. Only five per cent of those diagnosed with it live for longer than 12 months.

He chose not to continue with chemotherapy, opting instead to 'chill out at home' as he managed his illness with natural remedies.

Crowe said his diagnosis had helped him realise what was important in life.

'The main thing is the love I have for the people around me, and I only really focus on compassion and forgiveness because that's the only way and I didn't used to do that at all,' he said.

'I took too long to grow up, and now I've got that perspective on what my life should be about I've probably never been happier.'

Family man: Crowe and his wife Lorraine (right) supported many charitable causes. Here they are pictured with Rachel Hunter at the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation Pearl of the Pacific Gala at the Hyatt Regency, Auckland

Crowe's 14 years spent playing for the Black Caps saw him destroy the best world's best bowling attacks thanks to his huge talent.

In 1991 his abundant ability saw him named New Zealand sportsman of the year and awarded an MBE for services to cricket.

He captained his country from 1990-1993. His brother Jeff also went on to captain the New Zealand cricket side.

Crowe was 19 when he made his international debut against Australia in Wellington in February 1982.

He retired 13 years later after playing 77 Tests, having scored 5444 runs at an average of 45.36.

Popular: He played in three World Cups and led New Zealand to the semi-final of the 1992 tournament

Successful career: Crowe retired 13 years later after playing 77 Tests, having scored 5444 runs at an average of 45.36