Jack Grealish has paid tribute to the late Craig Shakespeare and revealed a special gesture he received after his Euro 2024 snub.
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Shakespeare dies aged 60Grealish sends emotional messageReveals Shakespeare's message after Euro 2024 snubGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
On Thursday evening, it was officially announced that Shakespeare had died after his battle with illness at the age of 60, in a statement that read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, 'SHAKEY'. Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. Whilst 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."
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Shakespeare worked as Dean Smith's assistant manager at Aston Villa between August 2020 and November 2021 and worked extensively with Grealish during that time. The forward has now voiced an emotional tribute to Shakespeare and revealed that he received a message from the former Leicester boss after he was left off England's Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate.
WHAT GREALISH SAID
The Manchester City star shared a photo with Shakespeare on Instagram and captioned an emotional message that read: "Shakey, one of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life. Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad whilst he was ill shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey. Absolutely devastated. Sending all my love to his family."
Grealish also posted a screenshot of the message he received from Shakespeare following his Euros snub, which read: "Jack, sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. But I’m gutted for you and thinking about you. My most gifted player I’ve worked with. Take care, Shakey."
WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?
The Manchester City forward is currently in the United States with Pep Guardiola's side as he looks to find his way back into the Spaniard's starting eleven after having lost his place due to a lack of form alongside injury issues.