Grealish, who joined Everton from City on loan this summer, wrote an emotional note for life-long Cityzens fan Hatton. The tribute read: “Ahhhh man RIP legend. Such sad news man. An absolute diamond every time I met him! True legend. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Hitman.”
Manchester United legend Rooney recalled spending time with the boxing legend in Las Vegas, where he carried Hatton’s belts into the ring before his victory over Jose Luis Castillo in 2007. First, Rooney shared a tribute on his Instagram, where he wrote: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family.”
Later, on his The Wayne Rooney Show, the United legend said: “It was one of the most nervous I have ever been. I was in the pool all day in Vegas, it was hot, and my face got a bit burnt, but then I remember standing in the dressing room and being nervous. He hadn’t lost at that time. I was thinking, ‘He does not lose tonight. Is it on you? Is it your fault? So often you see any type of celebrity who are not really relatable, but Ricky was certainly relatable and good fun to be around.”
He added: “Ricky was such a good lad and a good person. He is someone who captured the nation, in terms of the support he got, they followed him all around the world. I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who is really close to him. It is way too soon.
“It has not fully kicked in. It’s devastating. Heartbreaking. I am sure over the next few days from everyone across the country we will see a lot of messages and people will understand what a true gentleman and good person he was.”
Hatton was remembered ahead of the start of Sunday’s Manchester derby, where players and coaching staff of both clubs paid tribute to the late boxing icon alongside supporters of two fierce on-field rivals.
