Ella Toone heartbroken as dad dies just days before 60th birthday

The Lioness shared a heartbreaking statement on Instagram

The footballer, who plays both for the England national team and Manchester United, shared a selection of photos of her father alongside a heartbreaking statement.

"Dad, today would have been your 60th bday, just 3 days after we had to watch you leave us," she wrote on Tuesday (September 10).

"I wish we could have had at least 20 more birthdays together. We will raise a glass for your big one tonight, as much as you really didn’t wanna turn the big six 0 !

"I don’t have the words right now but all I can say is I will miss you and I will never stop loving you.

"There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled but all I can do now is continue to make you proud. Your the biggest reason I’ve achieved what I have, playing without you sat in the stands shouting COME ON UNITED won’t ever be the same but you got the best seat in the house now dad, just make sure you remember to take your glasses for once.

"The best dad in the world, best man, my best friend and my best football coach."

She added: "We will stick together and we will make you proud Dad."

"'Love you cock', 07/09/24. 59 forever," she concluded the post.

Nick was often seen at Ella's matches, and was a huge supporter of her career.

The 25-year-old's teammates and supporters have paid tribute to her late father.

 "Sending you all the love in the world, you'll forever make him proud," Mary Earps wrote.

"Bloody loved him so much. Thank you Nick for always looking out for me at games, telling me your jokes," supporter Ellie Green wrote.

"Making sure I have the best seats at games, remember when he gave me one of your VIP lanyards families get to wear at Lionesses games, you was such a great man. Made me feel at home straight away at United. You’ll never be forgotten, the Toone family sending all my love."

"Thinking of you & your family Tooney," Kirsty Hanson penned.

Georgia Stanway put: "He'll always have the best seat in the house."