Manchester City favourite Shaun Wright-Phillips has sent a personal message of support to the family of a much-loved Blues fan after his sudden death from coronavirus.
Gary Gilmartin, a healthy 62-year-old, was admitted to the Royal Oldham Hospital last week.
He was subsequently transferred to the hospital's intensive care unit with COVID-19, but sadly passed away on Monday morning.
Tributes are being paid to Gary from across the Manchester City fanbase.
His proud family meanwhile have spoken of 'a true Manc, a massive Manchester City fan and a hardworking, loving family man'.
Wright-Phillips' message was organised by a friend of Gary's who also knows the former flying winger.
"I am sending my condolences to Gary's family - a number one City fan," said Wright-Phillips in a video message.
"May he rest in peace.
"Thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Gary's niece, Lily Risby, said her uncle was a massive City fan - and told of his love for his family.
She said: "He took most of us to our first City games.
"He was always the first to have a dance at a party.
"He walked his niece Melissa down the aisle.
"He was so proud of his grandchildren and he told the nurses to 'tell the grandkids I love them'.
"It is just unbelievable. We just feel he has been stolen."
The family have also thanked all the medics at the Royal Oldham Hospital for their care.
In one of his last messages to his family on Facebook, Gary described the nurses looking after him as 'quality'.
Gary, who lived with his partner Christine Wilkinson in Failsworth, Oldham, worked as a manufacturing technician at Zetex Diodes in Chadderton.
Lily, 28 and also from Failsworth, said her uncle would have loved Wright-Phillips' message.
She added: "He was so loved by so many and has a massive family.
"He was so selfless. Gary was always there and always kind.
"He gave so much to his family and friends and expected nothing in return but love, laughter and fun.
"He loved his family with every inch of his being."
"Gary didn't have any health conditions. He was a normal 62-year-old lovely man.
"He watched City win another trophy at Wembley not so long ago.
"He was a gentleman. He'd still give me a pound when he saw me and I'm 28.
"He would tell you all the tales of the world if you'd let him. But now we will never be able to hear his voice or make memories with him again."
Lily said coronavirus was 'ripping families apart' and said Gary's condition worsened having initially improved.
She said the family also wanted to speak out to highlight the importance of staying at home to save lives - and urged the worldwide community of Manchester City fans to heed the advice.
"I spoke to Gary the night before then they rang us in the morning and said it [coronavirus] had taken him over," Lily said.
"Gary didn't deserve to be stolen from us like this.
"I don't want anyone to experience this heartbreak. This virus is stealing anyone and it's not something you will ever recover from."
