WAYNE ROONEY has been left “devastated” by the news of Ricky Hatton’s death.
The former boxer was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday, aged just 46.
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Rooney, 39, knew Hatton on a personal level and even carried his belts into the ring for him.
The Manchester United legend had the honour ahead of the Hitman’s famous 2007 win over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas.
He found out that Hatton has died after playing in a football legends exhibition match in South Korea.
Speaking on his podcast, he said: “It has not fully kicked in.
“It’s devastating. Heartbreaking.
“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.”
Rooney also paid a touching tribute to Hatton as he insisted the boxer was loved worldwide.
“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.
“I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who is really close to him. It is way too soon.”
Police yesterday said that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Rooney has been joined by many notable Mancunians in paying their respects to Hatton.
Oasis star Liam Gallagher, with the help of his brother Noel also carried Hatton’s belts into a ring ahead of a fight.
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He took to social media to voice his emotions.
He wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON.
“It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts. RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”
Manchester City also paid tribute to Hatton before the derby against United.
The players from both sides took part in a moment’s applause for the boxer.
Hatton had a seat reserved for himself at the Etihad for the game but it remained empty.
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
