Jack Grealish reveals heartfelt message Craig Shakespeare sent him just a month before he died – as Man City winger says he is ‘absolutely devastated’ by former coach’s death
Jack Grealish has revealed the emotional message he received from Craig Shakespeare, just a month before the former Leicester City manager and Aston Villa coach passed away.
The news of the beloved manager’s death at the age of 60 shocked the football world last night.
Shakespeare was a key member of Claudio Ranieri’s coaching staff as the Foxes created one of the greatest stories in football history to win the Premier League trophy.
After the Italian was sacked the following season, Shakespeare led Leicester to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as caretaker manager.
Manchester City winger Grealish is the latest big name to pay tribute to the former manager, revealing the contents of a touching text message he received after missing out on England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Jack Grealish has revealed the emotional message he received from Craig Shakespeare just a month before he died
The former Aston Villa star also added a photo of himself with Shakespeare (left) and Dean Smith (right)
The 28-year-old said on Instagram: ‘Shakey, one of the best people I’ve ever met, not only in football but in life’
Grealish also posted a screenshot of Shakespeare’s text, in which he attempted to console the Man City star for not being selected by Gareth Southgate this summer
The 28-year-old, who was coached by Shakespeare at Aston Villa from 2020 to 2021, wrote on Instagram: ‘Shakey, one of the best people I have ever met, not just in football but in life.
‘Last month [he] He texted me when I wasn’t in the EC selection while he was sick. That shows what kind of man he was!
‘An absolute heart of gold! Everyone will truly miss you Shakey.
‘Absolutely devastated. Sending all my love to his family.’
Grealish also posted a screenshot of Shakespeare’s text, in which he attempted to console the Man City star after Gareth Southgate left him out of the squad this summer.
“Jack, sometimes I don’t know what to say, but my thoughts are with you and I’m thinking of you,” the message read.
“My most gifted player I’ve ever worked with. Take care of yourself, Shakey.”
Shakespeare’s family announced the Premier League-winning manager’s passing in a statement released last night through the League Managers Association.
Former Leicester manager Shakespeare tragically passed away yesterday after a battle with cancer
Shakespeare was assistant manager of Leicester when they won the Premier League in 2016
He also held coaching roles at clubs including Everton, West Brom, Hull City and Aston Villa
It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. While the family are immensely proud of his football achievements as a player and coach, to us, his family, he will always be first and foremost a loving and cherished husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
“The loss is devastating to all of us and we ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time as we try to process and grieve the loss of a very special person.”
After beginning his coaching career at West Bromwich Albion, Shakespeare has had spells at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, as well as three spells at Leicester, the third of which came under Dean Smith in the final weeks of the 2022-23 season.
He represented Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford during a 19-year playing career.
As a coach he formed an excellent partnership with Nigel Pearson at Leicester, culminating in the ‘Great Escape’ in 2015, when the Foxes produced a remarkable end to the season that lived up to expectations.
Pearson said: ‘It is difficult to put into words how I and everyone who has met or worked with Craig feels upon hearing this devastating news.
‘He is without a doubt one of the most talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and extraordinarily funny people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend.
Shakespeare was Claudio Ranieri’s number 2 during Leicester’s historic title triumph
Shakespeare represented Grimsby, West Brom and Walsall during his playing career
Shakespeare was on Dean Smith’s staff at Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester
“Safe travels to your next destination, my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by all of us, and every time we think of you, we get a smile, grin, giggle or memorable event. We are truly lucky to have known Shakey.”
Leicester star Jamie Vardy added his own tribute on social media, saying: “I’m at a loss for words right now. Just devastated. RIP Shakey,” and the club also posted a message saying: “It was with a heavy heart that Leicester City Football Club learned of the passing of a much loved member of our family, Craig Shakespeare, at the age of 60.
‘An inspirational figure in our history. Craig was instrumental in our rise from League 1 to Premier League champions, before taking charge as Manager and leading us to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Rest in peace, Shakey.’
Several of Shakespeare’s former clubs paid tribute to him in a similar manner after his death.
Everton said: ‘Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our former manager Craig Shakespeare.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Norwich expressed their condolences, saying: ‘Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘Craig is remembered fondly at Carrow Road and his loss will be felt by the entire football community. Our sincere wishes go out to Craig’s friends and family at this sad time.’
Shakespeare was Nigel Pearson’s number 2 at Leicester, Hull and Watford (pictured above in 2020)
Shakespeare died after it was announced in October last year that he had cancer.
A statement released by the LMA on behalf of Shakespeare’s family shared the tragic news
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy also shared his own emotional message about Shakespeare
West Brom said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘All of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig played as a player and in various other roles, are thinking of his friends, family and loved ones.
“Rest in peace, Shakey.”
Walsall also offered their condolences, adding: ‘We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former player Craig Shakespeare.
‘Craig played over 350 games for the Saddlers and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Grimsby Town shared a tribute which read: ‘We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Marine Craig Shakespeare.
The stylish midfielder made 121 appearances for Town, scoring 10 goals between 1993 and 1997.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”
Shakespeare was most closely associated with Pearson, with whom he worked at West Brom, Leicester, Hull and Watford.
Meanwhile, he also joined Dean Smith at Aston Villa and Norwich, while Shakespeare was part of Sam Allardyce’s defensive team during his one-match spell as England manager.
Shakespeare played a key role in Leicester’s Premier League triumph during the 2015–16 season and remained hugely popular with the Foxes’ fans.
Several of Shakespeare’s former clubs were quick to honor him on social media
After succeeding Ranieri in 2017, he spent eight months in charge of the club, winning 11 of his 26 matches before being replaced by Claude Puel.
Shakespeare was also interim manager of West Brom in 2006, overseeing a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Last October it was announced that Shakespeare had been diagnosed with cancer. His last role in football was as part of Smith’s coaching staff during his time at Leicester in 2023.