Micah Richards and Roy Keane have both paid heartfelt tributes to Ricky Hatton, who has tragically died at the age of 46. Hatton, a legendary boxer and avid Manchester City supporter, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester this morning. The shocking news comes just months after the former world champion announced his return to boxing with a fight scheduled for December.

Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of today's Manchester derby at the Etihad, Richards expressed his deep sorrow over Hatton's death. He got to know the boxer during his time at City and shared a heartwarming story about an interaction they had in one of the Hitman's gyms.

"Obviously the news is devastating," said Richards. "We got it what, half an hour ago? I was taken aback, to be honest, because he was such an icon.

"British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan. But most importantly, he was a man of the people. The nicest guy ever.

"I remember going down to one of his gyms. I was a bit nervous because I didn't really know about boxing, he said just do this, he took his time.

"This was before the takeover - Man City weren't what they are now - and for him to take the time and effort, multiple times with beers with him just talking about football and life, he was a deep person.

"Very deep. He overthought a lot of things and the news is just devastating. It's ruined my mood for the whole day. He'd be here today celebrating.

"He's had a box here many times. To get this news now feels surreal. For someone so young for it to happen now, it's devastating."

Keane, meanwhile, added: "The guy was a warrior. I think that is why the fans loved watching him in the ring.

"We know how tough that sport is, but my God, he gave everything for that sport and I think that is why the fans loved following him.

"He had a number of fights in America, and thousands would travel over because they thought so highly of him, and again he left everything in that ring and absolutely shocking news."