Wayne Rooney, who has died aged just 46, has paid tribute to his friend and boxing legend Ricky Hatton after his tragic death.
On September 14, former world champion boxer Hatton was found dead at his home in Manchester.
Although the cause of death has not been announced, police have confirmed that the death was not suspicious.
Rooney, 39, has a close friendship with Hatton, who brought the belt into the ring before Hatton defeated Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in 2007. the wayne rooney showhe reflected on the devastating loss.
“Ricky is a very good lad and a good person,” Rooney said. “He captured the hearts of people across the country. The support he received was incredible and people followed him everywhere.”
Rooney also expressed his condolences to Hatton’s family and friends, saying: “I want to express my condolences to his family and everyone close to him. It’s too early to say.”
The former Manchester United and England striker said he received news of Hatton’s death shortly after attending a United Legends exhibition match in South Korea.
“It’s not quite working yet,” Rooney added. “It’s devastating. Heartbreaking.”
“It’s just devastating.”
Wayne Rooney pays tribute to his friend Ricky Hatton. pic.twitter.com/BzrKHDF7Bj
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 14, 2025
Rooney was not the only footballer to pay tribute to Hatton, who won world titles at light welterweight and welterweight during his illustrious career.
Jack Grealish expressed his condolences on Instagram, describing the boxing legend as a “true legend” and an “absolute diamond”.
“This is really sad news,” Grilish wrote. “My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace killer.”
Roy Keane, Micah Richards and countless others from across the football world also expressed their sadness, as did boxing’s Tyson Fury. The heavyweight boxing champion shared his sadness on Instagram, saying: “Hats off to the legend @rickyhatton and may he be ripped apart. There will only be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe it, so young.”
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