Former Socceroo found dead

Former Socceroo Ian Gray has been found dead in the lounge room of his Elizabeth Bay apartment in what police believe is suspicious circumstances.

The 46-year-old's death is being investigated by homicide squad detectives, police said.

Gray's body was found by a group of his friends when they broke into his Onslow Avenue home in the Sydney harbour-side suburb on Monday night.

The friends became concerned after he missed appointments and stopped answering his phone over the weekend.

In 2004 Gray was inducted into the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Hall of Fame - Award of Distinction, after beginning his career with the Manly Vale and Western Suburbs clubs.

An experienced defender or midfielder, he started a 12-year national representative career in 1981, and was chosen for the senior Australian side in their 1984 World Cup campaign.

Later that year he joined the Socceroos on an extensive world tour, playing matches in China, England, Scotland and Italy.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy issued a statement saying he was saddened to hear of Gray's passing.

"Ian gave great service to the Socceroos, playing 35 matches over nine years and he was a very respected teammate and a friend to many," Lowy said.

"He was also an active former Socceroo and a great ambassador for football.

"On behalf of the Australian football community I would like to send my condolences to Ian's family."

Anyone with information about his death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Former Socceroos striker David Zdrilic remembered Gray as a likeable man who always had a smile on his face.

"It's absolutely tragic what's happened," he told the Ten Network.

"I grew up watching Ian Gray and eventually ended up working with him at Maccabi as a coach.

"He had a big influence on many players in the football world and to hear this news is absolutely shattering."

- AAP