Pep Guardiola was overcome with emotion as Manchester City and Manchester United paid a touching tribute to Ricky Hatton ahead of the Manchester derby
16:51, 14 Sep 2025Updated 16:59, 14 Sep 2025
Pep Guardiola was visibly emotional
Pep Guardiola was visibly emotional(Image: Sky Sports)
An emotional Pep Guardiola had tears in his eyes as Manchester City paid an emotional tribute to lifelong fan Ricky Hatton.
Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday (September 14) morning. And ahead of their Manchester derby, the two rivals united to pay tribute to one of the city's most famous sons.
Guardiola was spotted tearing up as the two sides joined for a minute's applause ahead of kick-off. As well as the applause, both sets of players wore black armbands for the clash.
"Guardiola is looking so emotional. He wants to cry," one fan said on social media. While a second said: "Pep’s got tears in his eyes for Hatton..."
"Impressive, the minute of applause for Ricky Hatton and Pep Guardiola's emotion at the Etihad," a third posted. And another added: "Is Guardiola crying?"
The two teams paid an emotional tribute
The two teams paid an emotional tribute(Image: Getty Images)
City paid tribute to the boxing icon with an emotional tribute of their own ahead of kick-off: "Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
"Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
"Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
"We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United."
While United said: "A shared moment of appreciation for boxing great, Ricky Hatton, prior to kick-off. May he rest in peace."
Article continues below
Hatton was a lifelong City fan, he wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career.
In 2008 he fulfilled one of his dreams when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium.