Boxing legend Ricky Hatton was one of a kind - and he doesn't need a statue for him to always be remembered after a stellar send off from friends, family and fans in Manchester
Jeremy Cross
Jeremy Cross
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.
Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton has been given the send off he deserved(Image: Getty Images)
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The tears and tributes flowed in equal measure. On behalf of someone who achieved so much, but changed so little.
The funeral of Ricky Hatton was Manchester's chance, albeit one it never wanted, to bid farewell to one of its favourite sons. And didn't the place and people do him proud.
Thousands of mourners from all walks of life lined the streets, while those who couldn't get a seat inside Manchester Cathedral stood outside. To listen to a life well lived, albeit one which ended much too soon.
Yet the funeral was a fitting nod to someone who became a hero, but somehow remained humble. A normal bloke who achieved remarkable things - but stayed relatable. A light blue coffin, to recognise his obsession with football and Manchester City.
The 'Only Fools & Horses' three wheel van he bought, because of his love of the iconic sitcom. Leading a cortege of cars which made sure it passed those pubs Hatton liked nothing more than to drink in with his lifelong pals.
Hatton would have chuckled at the famous faces which attended the service. But what would have made him smile the most was the number of ordinary folk who turned out to mark the passing of someone he represented the most.
A city of red and blue coming together, to say thank you to someone who rendered tribal differences irrelevant. A bloke who took normal people on an abnormal journey, claiming fame and fortune along the way, but always giving back.
Hatton's hearse arrives at the Etihad Stadium(Image: PA)
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Elvis Presley's song 'If I Can Dream' played as mourners shuffled out of the cathedral. Hatton loved Elvis, so much so that he named his gated home 'The Heartbreak'.
And there was an abundance of this in and around Manchester on an emotional day. But at least Hatton did dream - and all of them came true. A Ricky who became a real-life 'Rocky', leaving an indelible mark on all those privileged to have known him.
There is now talk of a lasting tribute being afforded to Hatton, perhaps in the form of a statue.
But as his funeral service proved, there might be no need. Because Hatton was one of those rare people in life who doesn't have to be cast in bronze to always be remembered.