Liam Payne's son Bear will be 'so proud' as he 'has dad's smile', says Simon Cowell

has said the singer's son Bear is just like in statement following his shock death.

The music manager has released his own statement two days after it was announced that the former One Direction star had passed away. The on Wednesday night.

Tributes have flooded in for the talented musician, including from Simon who formed One Direction on The X Factor. Simon has said that Liam's seven-year-old son Bear, who he shares with Cheryl Tweedy, has many similarities to his in the Instagram post.

Simon wrote: "I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it." He took to his Instagram page to share a message where he talked about helping Liam start his music career. He said: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

"This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

He continued: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within months the whole knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.|"

He then went on to speak about Liam's son Bear before saying Liam left the world "too soon". Simon then finished his post by saying: "Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X."

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