Ella Toone has sadly confirmed that her beloved father has passed away, aged 59, just days before he celebrated his 60th birthday.
Ella Toone’s father has passed away, she has confirmed, just days before his birthday.
The 25-year-old Manchester United star told fans that her father Nick tragically passed away just days before his birthday, which would have been today.
Nick was central to Ella’s career and was often seen cheering her on at matches, both for Manchester United and England against his Lionesses teammates.
Ella posted a series of snapshots of her father on Instagram, writing: “Dad, today would have been your 60th birthday, just three days after we saw you leave us. I wish we could have celebrated at least 20 more birthdays together.” Even if you really don’t want to turn the big 6 to 0, let’s toast to your big 1 tonight!
“I’m at a loss for words right now but all I can say is I miss you and I always hear you. There’s a big hole in my heart that will never be filled but all I can do now is continue to make you proud.
There’s no other main reason why I could have sat in the stands yelling “come on” and played without you. It’s the same but Dad, now you have the best seat in the house.
The best dad, the best person, the best friend, the best soccer coach in the world. We’ll do our best together and make you proud of me Dad.
“Love you Dick, 24th September 2007. Forever 59,” his brother Joe Toon added, “An honour to call him my dad. He will be in our hearts forever, sister.” “Forever, brother,” Ella replied. Her upload received more than 24,000 likes within minutes and condolences quickly poured in.
Teammate Leah Williamson commented with a string of red hearts. Elsewhere, Tanya Bardsley, who is married to Macclesfield assistant coach Phil Bardsley, typed: “So sorry to hear of your passing,” accompanied by crying emojis and red hearts.
Georgia Stanway typed: “He’ll always have the best seat in the house.” “Thinking of you and your family, Toonie,” said Kirsty Hanson. England goalkeeper Mary Earps wrote: “Sending you all the love in the world. You will be forever proud of him,” accompanied by a series of heart emojis.
Ella’s Manchester United team-mate Ellie Green also released an emotional statement, writing: “Thank you Nick for always watching the games and telling jokes.
You made sure I had the best seats at the games. Remember when he gave me a VIP lanyard for my family to wear to Lionesses games? You were such a great guy. United immediately felt like home.
United immediately felt like home. I will never forget you, the Toone family sends you all their love.’
Ella previously revealed that she was destined to succeed in football after spending the day with her father in Hunsford as a newborn. ‘My dad would always tell me stories about when I was a newborn and he would take me to watch football matches for my local team, Hunsford Football Club.
‘He said I was in my little white dress that my mum had put me in and I just wanted to stand there and watch the game but there were no players and they called ‘Nick, can you play’.
He said ‘We’ve got a newborn baby!’ but ended up playing and the ball went up in the air and fell on me and the pram collapsed.
“I cried and my mother was shocked because I got a soccer ball stain on my dress. My father always says, ‘That’s the day you decided you wanted to play football.’