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Micah Richards and Roy Keane have both paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after he passed away at the age of 46. Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday.
The devastating news comes months after the legendary boxer announced his return to boxing with a fight planned in December. As well as being a former world champion, Hatton was also a big Manchester City supporter. And speaking on Sky Sports ahead of this afternoon's Manchester derby at the Etihad, Richards paid a heartfelt tribute to Hatton, who he got to know during his time at City.
"Obviously the news is devastating," he said. "We got it what, half an hour ago? I was taken aback, to be honest, because he was such an icon.
"British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan. But most importantly, he was a man of the people. The nicest guy ever.
"I remember going down to one of his gyms. I was a bit nervous because I didn't really know about boxing, he said just do this, he took his time.
"This was before the takeover - Man City weren't what they are now - and for him to take the time and effort, multiple times with beers with him just talking about football and life, he was a deep person.
"Very deep. He overthought a lot of things and the news is just devastating. It's ruined my mood for the whole day. He'd be here today celebrating.
"He's had a box here many times. To get this news now feels surreal. For someone so young for it to happen now, it's devastating."
Before Keane continued: "The guy was a warrior. I think that is why the fans loved watching him in the ring.
"We know how tough that sport is, but my god, he gave everything for that sport and I think that is why the fans loved following him.
"He had a number of fights in America, and thousands would travel over because they thought so highly of him, and again he left everything in that ring and absolutely shocking news."
Manchester City is set to pay a tribute to Hatton before Sunday's derby against United at the Etihad.
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