The footballing world has been left shocked and saddened by the death of 27-year-old Derry City captain Ryan McBride. The defender had led his side out in a 4-0 victory in the League of Ireland on Saturday but was found dead at home on Sunday.
McBride was born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1989 and was seen as the perfect captain for the club. “He epitomized everything about our club and our city,” said Derry City chief executive Sean Barrett.
Northern Ireland international team manager Michael O’Neill also paid tribute to McBride: “His leadership qualities were evident even at such a young age and it was no surprise to me that he became such an inspirational player for his hometown club.”
Hundreds line the streets as Derry City teammates carry Ryan McBride's coffin home https://t.co/N37jwbI7Rg pic.twitter.com/ZWa5hrJQbo
— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) March 20, 2017
Ryan McBride gained international recognition with a crunching tackle in a match between Derry and Cork City, building his reputation as one of football's toughest defenders.
Ryan McBride takes out 2 Cork City players... #playon! #loi #corder #ccfc #derry https://t.co/11SXZhyfBU
— @fromtheoff (@fromtheoff) September 25, 2015
Republic of Ireland attacker James McClean, who played with McBride at Derry, said he was “a warrior that literally would throw his body on the line when he pulled on that Derry City jersey, a club that meant so much to him”.
The cause of death is not yet known.
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