Pep Guardiola fought back tears as Manchester City paid tribute to Ricky Hatton ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. Hatton was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday morning at the age of 46.
Ahead of kick-off at the Etihad, a minute of applause echoed around the stadium as fans from both teams came together to pay their respects to one of the biggest icons in the history of British boxing. Supporters were heard chanting: “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.” And the tribute clearly evoked plenty of emotion on the touchline, with Guardiola spotted with tears in his eyes.
Hatton, who was a huge Citizens fan, fought at the Etihad Stadium in 2008 when he went head-to-head with Juan Lazcano. He walked out to the tune of City song Blue Moon ahead of his fights and also wore sky blue shorts.
The boxer’s death was announced on Sunday afternoon, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explaining in a statement: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend an address in Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Guardiola was asked about Hatton as he chatted to Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester derby. And the 54-year-old explained: “For all the Man City family it was a tough wake up.
“Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan [of City]. But the loss for his family, his kids – and he was a grandad. On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.
“Of course it is a big, big loss for them, for the boxing world because he was a true, true champion and of course for the Man City family.”
Meanwhile, City attacker Phil Foden stated: “My heart obviously goes out to his family at this hard time.
“To hear the news just before a big game is devastating, I’m sure he would have been here today supporting us. Today is for him and we’re going to try and get the win and do the best for him.”
Foden went on to score the opening goal of the game as City dominated their bitter rivals. Erling Haaland then bagged a brace as the home side cruised to a 3-0 victory. The result moved City up to eighth in the table, with United ending the day in 14th place.