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August 1, 2024
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
Jack Grealish honored Craig Shakespeare by sharing a heartfelt tribute and posting the touching text message he received from his former coach just one month before Shakespeare’s Passing. In his message, Grealish reflected on Shakespeare’s profound impact on his career and expressed gratitude for his guidance and support. This tribute highlights the personal connection between the two and Shakespeare’s significant influence on many players throughout his coaching career. Grealish’s gesture serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy that coaches like Shakespeare leave behind in the football world.
Shakespeare’s family announced on Thursday that he had “passed away peacefully at home” at the age of 60. This announcement came with deep sorrow as loved ones mourned the loss of a cherished figure in the football community. His family highlighted the importance of his legacy and the love he shared with those around him, emphasizing how he will be remembered for his contributions to the sport and his kindness and warmth. As tributes pour in from players, colleagues, and fans, it is clear that Shakespeare’s impact extended far beyond the pitch, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone he encountered.
The much-loved coach managed Leicester City and had stints with West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Norwich City, and Grealish’s former club, Aston Villa. Throughout his career, Shakespeare earned a reputation for his tactical acumen and ability to develop players, leaving a positive mark on each club he worked with. His time at Leicester City was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in their remarkable Premier League title win in 2016.
Shakespeare served as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant manager during Leicester City’s incredible Premier League title run, a feat achieved against astonishing odds of 5000-1. This historic victory captured the hearts of football fans worldwide as the underdog club defied expectations and made sporting history. As Ranieri’s right-hand man, Shakespeare played a vital role in shaping the team’s tactics and fostering a winning mentality among the players.
After confirming Shakespeare’s Passing, Grealish expressed his heartfelt tribute, stating he was “absolutely devastated” by the news.
‘Shakey, one of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life,’ the Manchester City and England star posted on Instagram.
‘Last month [he] was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad whilst he was ill shows the type of man he was!
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
‘An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey. Absolutely devastated. Sending all my love to his family.’
Grealish also shared the heartfelt text message that Shakespeare sent him after he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
‘Jack, sometimes it’s hard to know what to say,’ Shakespeare wrote to Grealish. ‘But I’m gutted for you and thinking about you.
‘My most gifted player I’ve worked with. Take care, Shakey.’
A statement released on behalf of Shakespeare’s family via the League Managers’ Association said: ‘While the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
‘The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.
‘The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.’
A social media post from the England national team account said: ‘We are devastated to learn that former Three Lions coach Craig Shakespeare has passed away at the age of 60.
‘All of our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this time.’
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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