Weah announced that he was retiring from playing for and coaching the Lone Star after the team's 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in a Group A match.

The defeat meant Liberia's failure to progress beyond the first round and also marked their departure from the tournament.

"We have lost a great name in our football history and will definitely miss his absence and influence," goalkeeper Louis Crayton told BBC Sport Online.

"No one is happy that he will not be filing out with us and wearing the Liberian jersey or coaching the team again."

Striker Prince Daye, scorer of one of Liberia's three goals in the tournament, said: "We all knew the day will come when Weah will announce his retirement but we have been praying that day should not come."

Weah, who said he will continue to play for his Gulf region club Al-Jazeera FC, had previously announced he would quit playing for Liberia after the 2002 Nations Cup.

The former World Player of the Year, however, said he will continue to support Liberia's players, including helping them secure contracts with overseas clubs.

Weah had a nomadic but fascinating playing career with Tonerre Kalala in Cameroon, French clubs Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, Italian giants AC Milan and English clubs Chelsea and Manchester City.

The striker used his international connections to help many Liberian players get signed up by clubs abroad.

He also used his personal funds to sponsor the Lone Star, even establishing a sportswear brand to make the team's kits.

Striker Kelvin Sebwe said: "There can never be another George Weah in the world because he not only helped Liberian players and ordinary citizens but also others from other countries."

Weah's friend Taribo West, the Nigeria defender, was able switch to AC Milan from Inter Milan through the Liberian's help when he found himself surplus to requirements .

Lone Star players also said they will miss that element of self-belief Weah thrusted in them and the conducive atmosphere he always helped to create in camp.