Pep Guardiola fought back tears when Manchester City paid tribute to Ricky Hutton ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Hutton was found dead at the age of 46 at his Manchester home Sunday morning.
Appreciation rang around the stadium as fans from both teams gathered to pay homage to one of the biggest icons in British boxing history ahead of the kickoff at Etihad. Supporters said, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton,” and the tribute clearly evokes many emotions on the touchline, and Guardiola is discovered with tears in his eyes.
Hutton, a huge fan of the civics, fought at Etihad Stadium in 2008 when he left Juan Lazacano head-on. He went out to the city song Blue Moon before the fight, and also wore sky blue shorts.
The boxer’s death was announced Sunday afternoon and explained in a statement by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP). “The officer was called by the public to attend Hyde’s address at 6:45am today.
Guardiola was asked about Hutton when he chatted with Sky Sports before the Manchester Derby. And the 54-year-old explained: “For every Man City family, it was a severe awakening.
“Of course, success, world champion, big fan (city); but his family, his children’s loss – and he was a grandfather. Man City and all those who I want comfort to them want comfort in these incredibly tough times, tough days, tough weeks.
“Of course, for the boxing world, he is a true and true champion, and of course a huge, huge loss for the Man City family.”
Meanwhile, city attacker Phil Foden said:
“I’m sure he was here today to hear the news just before the big game was devastating. Today is for him and we’ll try to win for him and do our best.”
Foden scored the opening goal of the game as City ruled their bitter rivals. Ehring Haaland bagged the braces as the home side won 3-0. As a result, the city moved to eighth of the table, with United finishing the day in 14th place.
