The ‘Game4Ricky’ event at the Joie Stadium will feature former City greats, Premier League legends and stars of TV and stage as we celebrate the life of one of Manchester’s greatest sportsmen – and one of City’s biggest supporters.
Former City keeper James says it is an opportunity for people who knew and admired Ricky to pay their respects and remember one of British boxing’s true greats.
“I’m really, looking forward to it,” said James.
“It was obviously very sad what happened, but his memory will live on forever. I have a treasured pair of signed boxing gloves in my house from Ricky from an event at the Carrington.
“This is a great opportunity to pay our respects to a great Mancunian.
“When the sad news broke last year, it was just ahead of the Manchester derby.
“I was here in Manchester just sat in the car outside the Etihad in disbelief.
“Ricky always struck me as being a decent guy, but to learn the stuff he was doing around the community showed what a great man he was.
“People followed him, not just because he was a good boxer, but because they believed in him and this is a great opportunity to show our respects.
“I’m kind of honoured to be involved, really, and it’ll be a great opportunity to celebrate someone who meant so much to this football club and this city.
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“He transcended Manchester and the UK loved Ricky Hatton as well, but he was completely at home in Manchester.
“I think everybody who knew him or had anything to do with him loved him, and he would just help people out whenever he could.
“When you’ve got that kind of connection with an area, I think you need to be celebrated. not just admired.
“He was just a great guy and meant so much to this city, this football club, and to the wider UK as well, and he’ll be remembered forever because there was only one Ricky Hatton.”
Game4Ricky will take place at the Joie Stadium on 15 November at 14:15 (UK) - there is a limited number of tickets remaining. Don’t miss out!
