Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City’s 3-0 derby defeat of Manchester United to the former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, a lifelong fan of the club, who was found dead at his home on Sunday at the age of 46.
Foden, who scored the opening goal in the win, was born in Stockport like Hatton. He told Sky Sports: “One hundred per cent I had extra motivation going into the game. It was for him and his family and for the people suff ering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him.”
There was a minute’s appreciation for Hatton before kick-off. Guardiola said: “I have been [at City] 10 years and I don’t remember one [minute’s appreciation] so intense like today. Thank you so much to Manchester United fans. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family feels right now.
“I know how incredible a Manchester City fan he was – he lived the good moments and the bad moments. The moment of silence was unbelievable, I will always remember it.”
Hatton was found in his Manchester home on Sunday morning, with police confirming his death was not being treated as suspicious.
Guardiola said: “It was tough news to wake up to. Of course he had success and was world champion, but it’s the loss for his family, his kids – he was a grandad. It’s so tough for everyone.”
During the minute of respect, an image of Hatton was shown on the Etihad Stadium’s two large screens, accompanied by constant applause and cheers, an emotional announcer reading a moving tribute to the late boxer. City and United players stood on the centre circle, having walked out for the fixture’s 197th staging wearing black armbands.
A City statement released before the match read: “Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered. Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon [City’s anthem] as his walkout song throughout his career – and in 2008 he fulfi lled another dream when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium.”
On that memorable May night 17 years ago the Mexican was beaten by a unanimous points decision in front of 56,000 fans.
