MANCHESTER CITY paid a classy tribute to the “People’s Champion” Ricky Hatton following his sad passing.
British boxing legend Hatton – an avid City fans – was found dead on September 14.
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He was just 46 years old.
City paid tribute on the weekend of his passing before their 3-0 win over United at the Etihad.
And it has continued with a banner raised behind one of the goal’s which read “The People’s Champion” with a mural of Hatton.
Flowers were also laid down in Hatton’s usual seat – with some of his family at the match – as City welcomed Burnley to the Etihad.
City manager Pep Guardiola was left almost in tears with the news of Hatton’s passing – and paid his respects before the derby win.
He said: “For all the Man City family it was a tough wake up.
“Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan (of City). But the loss for his family, his kids and he was a grandad.
“On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.
“Of course it is a big, big loss for them, for the boxing world because he was a true, true champion and of course for the Man City family.”
City legend and former captain Vincent Kompany was a friend of Hatton’s and wrote online: We’ll miss you Ricky.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend.”
Micah Richards added: “The news is devastating. I was taken aback because he’s such an icon.
“British icon, boxing, sports. True Man City fan but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest man ever.
“He was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things. The news is just devastating.
“It’s absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day. He would be here today, celebrating. He’s had a box here many times.
“To get this news now just feels surreal. Someone so young, for this to happen now is devastating.”
City star Phil Foden was also spotted visiting Hatton’s family – carrying flowers.
Hatton won world titles at super-lightweight and welterweight – beating the great Kostya Tszyu in his crowning night in 2005.
But he struggled mentally following defeats to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and then Manny Pacquiao two years later.
He returned in 2012 but retired after losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko.
Hatton later became a coach and manager – beloved for his sense of humour and kind heart.
He had an exhibition with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera and was preparing for a comeback bout in Dubai in December.
Hatton leaves behind son Campbell, two daughters Millie and Fearne as well as his granddaughter Lyla.
The working class hero is and will always be Britain’s most adored fighter.
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