Since the announcement on Wednesday morning that Cyril Rioli has called time on his AFL career, the love for the Hawks' champ has been flowing in thick and fast.

Read: Rioli calls time on decorated career

Here's what the world of social media had to say about the four-time premiership star's retirement.

Thankyou brother for being a champion role model and idol to a lot of us. Congrats on a stellar career, the game won’t be the same without some Cyril magic pic.twitter.com/hGSiElBtKE

— Nic Naitanui (@NicNat) July 4, 2018

I can’t explain how good it was playing next to this jet for 10 years. Enjoy retirement buddy and thanks for everything.

A post shared by Luke Hodge (@hodgey015) on Jul 3, 2018 at 10:44pm PDT

Well done to the little master! Lucky to have had the best seat in the house watching him do his thing! Amazing career. Thanks for the memories Junior boy! #special #delicious #4time

A post shared by Grant Birchall (@birchall14) on Jul 3, 2018 at 7:45pm PDT

It’s been a privilege and going to miss playing alongside this legend! Thanks for all the good times on and off the field. Enjoy retirement brother! #33

A post shared by Liam Shiels (@liamshiels) on Jul 3, 2018 at 11:19pm PDT

Me and Cyril celebrating our 2015 flag win. Loved him as a player, loved as a teammate and mainly love him as a person!

A post shared by brianlake17 (@brianlake17) on Jul 3, 2018 at 9:53pm PDT

17 opposition coaches and host of small defenders breathing a sigh of relief at the retirement of Cyril Rioli #genius

— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) July 4, 2018

No stats on Cyril Rioli will go close to reflecting the impact he had on the game, and particularly on the fans.

The impact he had on kids was quite extraordinary, as was his willingness to give his time to put a smile on their faces.#afl #cyrilrioli

— Heath Evans (@HeathEvans) July 4, 2018

Thanks for inspiring millions to play this game @CyrilRioli33! On and off the field influenced not just indigenous Australians but our whole nation, thanks brother and enjoy retirement! Absolute freak of a player ✊

— chad wingard (@chadwingard20) July 4, 2018

What a career . Plenty of special memories Nothing Compares to the friendship we have gonna miss playing alongside you. All the best for the future brother boy.

A post shared by Paul Puopolo (@paul_puopolo) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:55pm PDT

Cyril

A post shared by Michael Willson (@michaelcwillson) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:26pm PDT

Congrats Cyril - pleasure to experience the highest of highs with you and watch you work your magic on a daily basis! Enjoy retirement - you deserve it! @CyrilRioli33

— David Hale (@davidhale_20) July 4, 2018

Brothers for life❤️

A post shared by Shaun Burgoyne (@shaunburgoyne9) on Jul 3, 2018 at 11:18pm PDT

What a joy & privilege it was to play alongside this legend. The things he did on the field you just had to laugh at!! Such a freak!!! All footy fans will miss this . Thanks Cyril for everything you’ve done for our great game and the @hawthornfc #besthighlightspackageever

A post shared by Josh Gibson (@joshgibson06) on Jul 3, 2018 at 5:49pm PDT

1st time I photographed #cyrilrioli . He kicked 7 for NT against QLD in the U18 champs at Vic Park. #thankscyril #hawthornfc #northernterritory #heraldsunsport #heraldsun

A post shared by Michael Klein (@kleinyheraldsun) on Jul 3, 2018 at 5:58pm PDT

Thanks for the memories Cyril! You lifted me out of my seat more than anyone. You are a superstar in every sense of the word. #legend #alwayshawthorn #superstar #cyrilrioli #cyrillove

A post shared by Lehmo (@lehmo15) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:34pm PDT

A legend retires #cyrilrioli #hawthorn #hawthornfc @hawthornfc #mcg #afl #grandfinal #tiwi #tiwiislands #riolis #heraldsun #canon

A post shared by Alex Coppel (@alexcoppel) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT

What a privilege it was to play footy with you for 5 years. You went from being my favourite player to becoming my best mate/big brother. All the memories we have shared over this journey I will never forget. Going to miss watching that Tiwi magic out on the MCG. Love you jrboy ❤️

A post shared by Bradley Hill (@bradleyhill10) on Jul 3, 2018 at 5:14pm PDT

When Bruce McAvaney heard about Cyril Rioli's retirement pic.twitter.com/7eyu9YYn0D

— FOX SPORTS Australia (@FOXSportsAUS) July 4, 2018

Man - Cyril Rioli has retired. Has anyone heard from Bruce McAvaney?? Is he ok? Can we get him a support person? Will Daniel Rioli suffice???

— Brutus Maximus (@MarkBruty) July 4, 2018

If you looked at Cyril Rioli’s stats they would appear almost unremarkable. Doesn’t come close to showing why he’s one of the most exciting, entertaining and loved players of his generation #AFL

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) July 4, 2018

Gobsmacked. Congrats to Cyril on a sensational career - few better to watch in the last 10 years. #CyrilRioli #AFL

— Dan (@DC_EFL) July 4, 2018

Farewell to the human highlight reel Cyril Rioli from the AFL landscape. It really puts the game into focus, there is more to life and i hope he enjoys his time with the family. Hopefully he can kick bags in NTFL and wins flags. Almighty talent.

— Cam Potter (@potter_cam_) July 4, 2018

I feel sorry for Bruce more than anything. #CyrilRioli pic.twitter.com/F0sVA9b0yN

— Roberto (@chadnotweet) July 3, 2018

Cyril Rioli Jnr hugs Cyril Rioli senior in the Hawthorn rooms @superfooty @theheraldsun @mcg #hawks #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/GMHT03GpHT

— Wayne Ludbey (@WLudbey) October 3, 2015

There will never ever be another Cyril Rioli. What a champion.

— Alex Lucifero (@Alexander92DC) July 4, 2018

Feel so lucky to have been able to witness the Cyril Rioli magic, what an absolute champion ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/iTyDbOhisG

— Stephanie Bennett (@stephconf) July 4, 2018

Please, everyone keep Bruce McAvaney in your thoughts with the retirement of Cyril Rioli. #AFL

— Danny (@thedannygilbert) July 4, 2018