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.

‘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.