Manchester City fan, 35, found dead in Spain hours before Villareal match as devastated family pay tribute

Guy Bradshaw was found dead in Benidorm just hours before City's Champions League match against Villareal

A popular Manchester City fan who had travelled to Spain to watch them play was found dead just hours before the match.

Much-loved Blues fanatic Guy Bradshaw, 35, had travelled to the Costa Blanca ahead of City's Champions League game against Villareal on Tuesday night.

Along with a large chunk of the Blues travelling support, Guy stayed in the popular tourist resort of Benidorm, around 130 miles away.

However, tragedy struck when he was found dead in bed by a friend at the apartment he was staying at in the early hours of Tuesday morning (October 21).

A family member has now paid a moving a tribute to dad-of-one Guy, from Wythenshawe, with stunned fellow fans also paying their respects.

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His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but Guy's cousin Jess Bradshaw, 26, told the Manchester Evening News that the family have been informed there are 'no suspicious circumstances.'

Guy's dad Martin, 56, was due to fly out to join Guy for the game, Jess said.

"It's just so tragic that he ended up going to identify his body instead," Jess said.

Just hours earlier, Guy had posted a video on social media with Ricky Hatton's son Campbell Hatton, where the pair were both singing 'there's only one Ricky Hatton.'

Guy, a former Parklands High School and Ringway Primary School pupil who ran his own carpet cleaning business, also leaves behind his 11-year-old daughter, his mum Jeanette, twin brother Kane and younger brother Zak.

Jess described her cousin as a 'gentle' man who 'idolised his daughter' and 'lived for City.'

"He was so well-known in Wythenshawe, and by City fans" she said. "He was really gentle, kind and caring. He was never in any trouble. He never had any enemies. He lived for City and his young daughter. He idolised her."

Jess said his death had left the whole family feeling 'empty.'

"We're just completely shocked, as he was so young," she said. "He was a healthy lad. The whole family is just devastated."

Jess said the trip was booked last minute and that Guy forgot to book travel insurance, meaning the family now faced a hefty bill to have his body repatriated to the UK.

A Manchester City spokesman posted on X today: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guy Bradshaw, a City supporter who tragically died in Spain before the Club’s match against Villarreal last night.

"Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time. Once a Blue, Always a Blue."

Tributes also flooded in on social media with a fundraising page set up for Guy's family here.

One pal said on X, formerly Twitter,: "RIP to the biggest blue there ever was! Guy Bradshaw Followed the club over land and sea all his life and through the lower divisions when we were younger.

"Absolutely gutted for his family and especially his young daughter. Rest in peace mate."

Another said on Facebook: "Devastated to hear the passing of Guy Bradshaw whilst away watching the Blues. Top lad, worked with him a few years back and used to see him at matches. My thoughts are with your family pal."

Whilst a third said: "What sad news to wake up to. You was only doing what you do best, following City everywhere. Thinking of the family."