Man City winger Jack Grealish has admitted he is heartbroken over the passing of former Aston Villa assistant manager Craig Shakespeare, who left him messages of support last month.
Shakespeare died yesterday at the age of 60 after battling cancer since October 2023 UFABET
Grealish’s relationship with his former coach was quite close when he was Dean Smith’s right-hand man at Villa Park. So all the pupils could do was pay their respects to the football teacher.
“‘Chekki’ is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, not just in football but in life,” he wrote on Instagram @jackgrealish . Grealish
“Last month, he sent me a message when he found out I was not in the England squad for Euro 2024.”
“Even though he was sick, he still showed his true kindness.”
“You are a great father! You will be missed, Shaggy. – Such a great loss. My thoughts are with your family.”
The message that Shakespeare sent to the 28-year-old star reads:
“Jack, sometimes it’s hard to know what to say, but I’m hurting with you and missing you.”
“The most talented player I’ve ever worked with – take care of yourself”… from ‘Chekki’
Shakespeare is a highly regarded coach in English football, while his playing career was also remarkable.
He played as a midfielder for Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby over a period of 19 years.
After making the transition to coaching. He spent time as an assistant manager at West Bromwich, Leicester, Hull City, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich. Most famously as Claudio Ranieri’s right-hand man as the Foxes won the Premier League title.
He later inherited the managerial position at King Power Stadium. Which was his only managerial role.