Jack Grealish reveals touching text message from former coach Craig Shakespeare a month before he died

Jack Grealish has paid tribute to Craig Shakespeare and posted the touching text message he received from his former coach one month before he died.

Shakespeare’s family confirmed on Thursday that he had ‘passed away peacefully at home’ at the age of 60.

The much-loved coach managed Leicester City and also worked for West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Norwich City and Grealish’s former club Aston Villa.

Shakespeare was also Claudio Ranieri’s assistant manager when Leicester won a stunning Premier League title at odds of 5000-1.

Grealish paid tribute to his former coach shortly after his death was confirmed, saying 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!

‘An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey. Absolutely devastated. Sending all my love to his family.’

Grealish also revealed the touching text message Shakespeare sent him after he was omitted from 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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