Phil Foden dedicated Sunday’s Manchester derby win to late boxer and Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton.
Hatton, a multiple world champion, was found dead aged 46 at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning. His memory was honoured with a minute of appreciation ahead of kick-off.
He was known to be a passionate Man City fan, and Foden was quick to pay tribute after scoring the first goal in a 3-0 win over Man United.
“That was for him, his family, the people suffering right now,” he said. “The lads made sure we gave everything.
“It wasn’t a pretty match today at the end, but the way we won, it was all for him and we’re delighted at the result.
“It was extra motivation going into the game.”
Speaking ahead of the match, he described the loss as ‘devastating’.
“My heart obviously goes out to his family at this hard time.
“To hear the news just before a big game is devastating. I'm sure he would have been here today supporting us.
"Today is for him and we're going to try and get the win and do the best for him.
“We’ve got to use it as motivation and try and get the win for him.”
Foden delivered on that promise, opening the scoring with a first-half header before Erling Haaland added a brace.
He described the Norwegian’s performance as ‘complete’: “He did everything today. Defending, attacking, running in behind, doing the dirty work, pressing, it was a full shift.
“We need that. Complete performance.”
