Emotional Wayne Rooney fights back tears as star attends Ricky Hatton's funeral

Wayne Rooney was among the mourners at the funeral of Ricky Hatton on Friday, with the former Manchester United and England striker looking emotional ahead of the ceremony.

Hatton died last month at the age of 46, sending the boxing world into mourning. A horde of beautiful tributes have since been paid to 'The Hitman', who was one of British boxing's most accomplished and popular fighters, with a large number of people arriving in Manchester on Friday to pay their final respects to Hatton at his funeral.

Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew were among the former boxers in attendance while, Rooney was also seen arriving with his wife, Coleen. The 39-year-old appeared to wipe away a tear ahead of the ceremony, which was attended by Hatton's friends and family.

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Rooney carried Hatton's belts into the ring before the boxer's victory over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas back in 2007 and paid an emotional tribute to his friend on his podcast following the news of Hatton's death.

"Ricky was such a good lad and a good person. He is someone who captured the nation, in terms of the support he got, they followed him all around the world," Rooney said.

"I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who is really close to him. It is way too soon. It has not fully kicked in, it's devastating. Heartbreaking."

He added: "I am sure over the next few days from everyone across the country we will see a lot of messages and people will understand what a true gentleman and good person he was."

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