Manchester City have paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after the boxing icon, and huge City fan, passed away at the age of 46.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde. Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the new century.

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Hatton had been due to attend Sunday's Manchester derby between City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, and the club said: 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. We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United."

Sky Sports had begun broadcasting their build-up to the game on Sunday, and pundits Micah Richards and Roy Keane both reacted to the sad news.

Richards, a former City player, said: "I was taken aback to be honest, because he's such an icon in British boxing and all sports. He was a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people.

"He was the nicest guy ever. I remember going down to one of his gyms, and I was a bit nervous because I didn't really know about boxing. But he took his time, and this was before the takeover when Man City weren't what they are now, but he took the time and effort.

"I've been for beers multiple times with him and talking about football and life, and he was a deep person, he overthought a lot of things. And the news is just devastating. It's absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day, because he'd been here today. To get this news now it just feels surreal."

Keane spoke highly of Hatton's boxing career, and said: "The guy was a warrior, I think that's 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 that's why the fans loved follwoing him. He had a number of fights in America and thousands would travel over because they thought so highly of him.

"He left eveything in that ring. Absolutely shocking news."

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