Sheffield United player Kean Bryan has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his mum.
Footballer Kean, who started his career at Manchester City when he was 11, revealed the tragic news on his Instagram page.
Paying tribute to his mum he shared a photo of mother and son together and said 'I am the man I am today because of you.'
"Yesterday we said our goodbyes to my beautiful mum," he said.
"I am so thankful for everything you have done for our family. I am the man I am today because of you.
"I know our time was cut short but I am happy you’re now at peace. I promise to make you proud and look after our family. "Fly high mum, I love you."
Kean, 23, is currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers and he has a baby boy Mexx with his partner, Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent.
Brooke, who plays Sophie Webster in Corrie, posted heart and stars emojis in response to her boyfriend's moving words.
The 28-year-old actress from Audenshaw recently shared a touching video documenting her boyfriend's journey into fatherhood to mark his first Father's Day as a new dad.
The film shared on the Coronation Street star's Instagram began with a clip of lovingly kissing her bump.
It then showed a collection of bonding moments including father and son sleeping side by side and Kean gazing lovingly at Mexx, who was born in October.
She chose the Mary J. Blige song Everything as the soundtrack to the story.
Happy First Fathers Day Daddy!" she wrote.
"My favourite person in the world without a doubt.
"Also my favourite person to sit and try to wake up each morning.
"Thank you for absolutely everything you do for me! You truly are the best KB."
She continued: "Thank you for loving our little boy the way you do!
"He’s forever looking up to you and if he becomes half the person you are I will be more than happy.
"Thank you for being ours and looking after us both the way you do, I hope today you take time to realise how much our little boy loves and looks up to you The Best Daddy."
