The death of Sale -raised ex-professional footballer Steve Jagielka was drug-related, an inquest heard.
Mr Jagielka, 43, had been working as a fitter in the Manchester area before his death, Shropshire Coroner John Ellery heard.
The Sale-raised midfielder was found dead after a cousin called at his home on Monday March 15 this year, a hearing at Shrewsbury’s Shirehall was told.
Statements read to the inquest said post-mortem examinations had shown that Mr Jagielka, who made more than 170 appearances for Shrewsbury Town between 1997 and 2003, died from aspiration pneumonia caused by methadone toxicity.
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Mr Ellery also heard that there had been reports of possible cocaine use in the days prior to the ex-footballer’s death – with samples showing high levels of methadone and 'moderate' levels of cocaine.
Police were called to Mr Jagielka’s house by a neighbour, after his cousin alerted them to what had happened, the inquest was told.
An investigation found no suspicious circumstances at the property, where the electricity had 'run out' and “it was clear that the house was in the process of being packed up' as Mr Jagielka was in the process of moving.
In a statement at the end of Tuesday’s hearing, Mr Jagielka’s ex-wife, Jo Fallows, said: "Steve had a lasting impact on many people’s lives.
"This is how we would like him to be remembered – a fun-loving and charming character.
"He will be missed by his three children, myself and all his family and friends. RIP Steve."
Reaching his conclusion after the short hearing, Mr Ellery said: "The medical cause of death is given as aspirational pneumonia due to methadone toxicity.
"There is no suggestion that Steve’s death was deliberate and I record that his death was drug-related."
Speaking after the hearing, Miss Fallows said of her ex-husband: "Wherever he went, everybody knew him."
Football had been a passion and 'all he had ever known' for Mr Jagielka, who went on to work locally for Caterpillar and had his own plumbing business, Miss Fallows said.
"I think the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) should help them a little bit more," she added.
After playing for Shrewsbury, Mr Jagielka – the older brother of former England and Everton defender Phil – went on to help Accrington Stanley gain promotion to the Football League.
He also had spells at Stoke City, Sheffield United and AFC Telford United.
In a statement issued shortly after his death, the South Yorkshire club said: "Sheffield United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Steve Jagielka – brother of current defender Phil – at the age of 43.
"The condolences of all at the Blades are with Phil and the rest of the Jagielka family at this difficult time."
