FOOTIE’S FAREWELL TO TRAGIC ACE UGO
Legends in tears at star’s funeral
FOOTBALL stars and managers paid their respects to tragic former England star Ugo Ehiogu yesterday.
The popular player died, aged 44, last month after a heart attack at Spurs’ training ground, where he was a youth coach.
Dozens of players turned up to pay their respects at a funeral service in Highgate, north London.
Ex-England stars Paul Ince, 49, Ian Wright, 53, and Ledley King, 36, were among the big names who packed into the church. Also in attendance were Ugo’s former Aston Villa teammates Dion Dublin, 48, and Andy Townsend, 53, as well as former boss Ron Atkinson, 78.
And devastated Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, 46, was left close to tears as he delivered a eulogy to “gentle giant” Ugo.
Former Villa and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, 45, who was best man at Ugo’s wedding to his wife Gemma, said: “It’s just such a sad loss, he will always be part of me.”
Former Man United striker Andrew Cole, 45, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, 49, were also seen shedding tears at the ceremony.
Homes Under The Hammer host Dublin, who played with Ugo at Villa, said the service was “beautiful”.
He added: “If the words ‘how to do your job’ came up, then his name would be there.
“He did it right. As a father, as a parent, he did it right. You can’t fault him.”
After the funeral Spurs took over entertainment venue Alexandra Palace to celebrate Ugo’s life.
There were two large screens projecting photos of the defender throughout his career.
Ugo leaves behind his wife, son Obi and daughter Jodie.