BBC pundit Micah Richards has shared the tragic news that his father, Lincoln, passed away before he went on air for England's World Cup semi-final
Micah Richards has revealed the tragic news that his father sadly passed away before he went on air for England's World Cup semi-final with Argentina on Wednesday.
Richards was a pundit on BBC as Thomas Tuchel's side were dumped out of the tournament after Argentina came from behind to win 2-1 in Atlanta. And taking to Instagram after the game, the former Manchester City star revealed the sad news.
Posting a heartfelt tribute on social media , he said: "Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.
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"He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.
"I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else.
"I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.
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"Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."
Tributes were paid by his colleagues, with Jamie Carragher responding to the post: "Sending love to you & all the family." While John Terry said: "So sorry @micahrichards. Sending our love and condolences mate and this very difficult time."
"Sending love mate," James Maddison replied. And Jill Scott added: "Thinking of you and your family Micah."
Speaking on the Rest is Football, Gary Lineker said: "Before we bid you both farewell, I just want to say we'd seen on social media obviously you've lost your father. I just want to send all our love and best wishes and support for you at what is what is an obviously an incredibly difficult time. I'm so sorry, man."
And Richards replied: "Thank you very much Gaz, obviously it's very difficult, I found out last night. He's not been well for a little bit now, so I've been trying to get my head around it.
"I was thinking 'do I go into the game today?' I didn't tell Joe (Hart), I didn't tell Wayne (Rooney) as well because I didn't want it to affect them.
"I told Al this morning and obviously Chappers. It's life, it happens. He was a great man and I hope I did him proud today."