Micah Richards discovered that his father, Lincoln, had died ‘not long’ before being part of the BBC’s coverage of England vs Argentina. The larger-than-life pundit decided to continue with the show in tribute to his late dad.
Sharing a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Richards said: “Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.
“He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.
“I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.
“Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”
Tributes from throughout the sporting community have poured in for Richards. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who works alongside Richards on CBS, was amongst the first to respond.
“Sending love to you and all the family,” he said.
Joe Hart, who was working with Richards on Wednesday evening, said: “Sending love Meeks … here for you all . RIP Lincoln”.
“Sorry for your loss Micah,” commented Juan Mata. Ex-England international Jill Scott added: “Thinking of you and your family Micah.”
Former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button said: “Praying for you brother, Sorry for your loss.”
Richards has previously discussed the profound influence his father had on his career path and credits him with keeping him level-headed. “‘I grew up in Chapeltown, a rough area of Leeds,” Richards said in 2007.
“There was all sorts of stuff – drugs and fighting. There is a point when you are 15 or 16 when you might want to get involved in it. There was definitely a temptation but I stayed grounded.
“I have been able to deal with all the stuff that has come my way. That’s down to Dad. He’s brought me up well. My Dad is a strong character. He is very principled. He’s a Rastafarian. He has set standards for me.
“It’s been great to have that sort of person behind me but at the same time I learned how to be my own man. Dad’s always been here for me. He has missed only one game I have ever played in and that was my debut at Arsenal when I wasn’t even been supposed to be in the squad.”