Wayne Rooney has shared an emotional tribute to his friend and the boxing legend, Ricky Hatton, after the tragic news of his death at the age of only 46.
Hatton, an old world boxer, was found dead in his house in Manchester on September 14.
Although the cause of death has not been revealed, police have confirmed that it is not being considered suspicious.
Rooney, 39, had a close friendship with Hatton, after having brought his belt to Ring ahead of Hatton’s victory over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in 2007 The Wayne Rooney Showreflected on devastating loss.
“Ricky was such a good guy and a good person,” Rooney said. “He captured the heart of the nation. The support he had was incredible and people followed him everywhere.”
Rooney also expressed his condolences to Hatton’s family and friends, saying, “I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who really were close to him. It’s too early.”
The ex -Manchester United and England shared that he received the news of Hatton’s death shortly after playing in a Legends exhibition game for Manchester United in South Korea.
“It has not been kicked yet,” said Rooney. “It is devastating. We rush.”
“Simply devastating.”
Wayne Rooney pays tribute to your friend Ricky Hatton. pic.twitter.com/bzrkhdf7bj
– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 14, 2025
Rooney was not the only footballer who paid tribute to Hatton, who during his brilliant career in The Ring held world titles in two weight classes: heavy weight and heavy weight.
Jack Grealish, sharing his condolences on Instagram, described the boxing legend as a “true legend” and “absolute diamond” every time they met.
“So sad man of news,” Grealish wrote. “My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Rip Hitman.”
Roy Keane, Micah Richards and countless others in the world of football also expressed his penalty, as Tyson Fury did from the boxing community. The heavy weight champion shared his penalty on Instagram, saying: “Rip to the Legend @ankkyhatton can start. There will only be 1 Ricky Hatton. I can’t believe that, so young.”
