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"If you've been in Manchester, that's when you understand how big Ricky was"
Vincent Kompany has paid a touching tribute to boxing icon and Man City fan Ricky Hatton following his tragic death.
The 46-year-old, born in Stockport and raised in Hattersley, won an army of fans during his glittering career - winning world titles in two weight divisions in the 2000s.
The boxing icon was tragically found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, on Sunday morning (September 14), prompting tributes ti pour in for the star with figures from the world of sport and celebrity all paying their respects.
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The news sparked an outpouring of grief and brought a small tide of flowers, candles, football shirts and boxing gloves to the gates of his home.
News of the death of former world champion Hatton, who was synonymous with his beloved City, at the age of 46 emerged just a few hours before kick-off at City’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United.
The club previously said they were 'devastated' and a minute’s applause was held before the match.
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Kompany, 39, previously spent over a decade of his playing career in Manchester as he starred for Man City and was the former captain.
And on Tuesday (September 16) he was asked on Sky Sports about Hatton ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash against Chelsea to which he responded: "It's such a difficult thing to explain. If you've been in Manchester, that's when you understand how big Ricky was."
The now Bayern Munich manager continued: "Comparing [it] for the German journalists, it's like he's Thomas Müller from Munich, but from another sport. I can't remember a single major event for Man City where he hasn't been a part or centre of it.
"He was respected on both sides as well, which is not easy in this part of the world. Obviously, it was devastating news. I can't think there would be a single Mancunian that didn't spend the whole day talking about it, calling the family, just because he had an impact on everyone's life.
"I hope a lot of people remember the great things he did for the town."
The Man City star previously paid tribute to Hatton in a post on X, along with an image of him alongside Hatton and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, he penned: “We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend.”
During the Manchester Derby on the weekend, Midfielder Foden scored City’s opening goal before Erling Haaland added two more.
Afterwards, when asked if the win was for Hatton, Foden – who like the boxer was born in Stockport – said on Sky Sports: “100 per cent. I had extra motivation going into the game.
“It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him.”
Before the match, Foden had said: “My heart obviously goes out to his family, at this hard time. Obviously to hear the news just before a big game is devastating. I’m sure he would have been here today as well, supporting us.”
City boss Guardiola added: “I have been here 10 years and there have been a lot of minutes of silence but I don’t remember anything as intense as today.
“Thank you so much to the Man United fans that they behaved and applauded it. I know he was a world champion in boxing and it was a special moment.
“No words can contain the pain the family feel right now for this loss but, of course, we are close. I know how incredible a Man City fan (he was). He would live the bad moments and the good moments of the last 10-15 years.
“I know from the fans how close he was. It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium that they felt the gratitude for what he did professionally.
“He was a massive, massive City fan and I feel so sorry for the family.”
All sides of the ground were involved in what was a heartfelt tribute for one of Manchester’s best-known sportspeople before the game.
“Hatton, an icon of British boxing… was viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced,” City’s statement read.
It continued: “Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
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