Man City fan, 35, found dead in Spain just hours before Champions League match

Manchester City have paid tribute after a supporter was found dead in Spain just hours before their game against Villarreal. Guy Bradshaw, 35, had travelled to the Costa Blanca for City's Champions League match on Tuesday night.

Bradshaw was staying in Benidorm, around 130 miles away from the city of Villarreal, along with a large portion of the Premier League club's travelling fans. But tragedy struck when the father-of-one was found dead in bed by a friend in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A family member has shared a moving tribute to Bradshaw, who was from Wythenshawe, and City have also paid their respects. The cause of death hasn't been confirmed, but his cousin, Jess Bradshaw, told the Manchester Evening News that the family have been informed that there are 'no suspicious circumstances.'

The night before he was found dead, Guy had posted a video on social media alongside the late Ricky Hatton's son, Campbell. The pair were both singing ''There's only one Ricky Hatton' after the British boxing icon died last month.

Jess added that Guy's dad, Martin, 56, was due to fly out to join Bradshaw for the match which City won 2-0 thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva. She explained how Guy's death has left the whole family feeling 'empty' and described him as a 'gentle, kind and caring' man who 'lived for City'.

"It's just so tragic that he ended up going to identify his body instead," Jess said. "He was so well-known in Wythenshawe, and by City fans," she said.

"He was really gentle, kind and caring. He was never in any trouble. He never had any enemies. He lived for City and his young daughter. He idolised her. We're just completely shocked, as he was so young. He was a healthy lad. The whole family is just devastated."

Guy leaves behind his 11-year-old daughter, his mum, Jeanette, twin brother Kane and younger brother Zak. He ran his own carpet cleaning business, having been a pupil at Parklands High School and Ringway Primary School.

City said via their social media channels on Wednesday: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guy Bradshaw, a City supporter who tragically died in Spain before the Club's match against Villarreal last night.

"Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time. Once a Blue, Always a Blue."

Villarreal responded by saying: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and all Manchester City fans. Rest in peace."

One of Guy's friends posted: "RIP to the biggest blue there ever was! Guy Bradshaw Followed the club over land and sea all his life and through the lower divisions when we were younger. Absolutely gutted for his family and especially his young daughter. Rest in peace mate."

Another said on Facebook: "Devastated to hear the passing of Guy Bradshaw whilst away watching the Blues. Top lad, worked with him a few years back and used to see him at matches. My thoughts are with your family pal."

A third added: "What sad news to wake up to. You was only doing what you do best, following City everywhere. Thinking of the family."

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Eddie Williamson to help Guy's family, with more than £16,000 already raised.

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