NOBODY DID IT BETTER
Tribute to a Cardiff legend
“HE DOES what he wants.”
Peter Whittingham’s supreme ability made him a reluctant hero for Cardiff fans who sung about the gifted midfielder being so good he could choose what to do and when to do it on the field.
Blessed with a wand of a left foot, he hated the spotlight but his talent meant he was entirely deserving of the adulation he received.
“Nobody did it better,” Cardiff said in a statement confirming his tragic death at the age of just 35 yesterday – and it’s hard to disagree.
At times Whittingham, who left the Bluebirds after a 10-year spell in 2017, really did do what he wanted.
His death has left a heartbroken Cardiff to dissect a second tragedy in just over a year – after striker Emiliano Sala died in a plane crash in January 2019 having never kicked a ball for the Championship club.
A club statement said: “First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality.
‘‘Then, as a professional footballer and as a Bluebird, he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.
“The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters, and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.”
The man known as Whitts to his team-mates and the fans who adored him made 460 appearances and scored 98 goals during his decade in the Welsh capital.
Whittingham had been in a critical condition in Cardiff’s Heath Hospital after a fall at a pub in Barry on March 7 and never recovered.
He leaves behind a wife Amanda, who is pregnant, and a young son.
His death at such a young age has rocked the football world and the tributes poured in last night. Former
Bluebirds team-mate Michael Chopra said: “Devastated to have lost an old team-mate – had some great memories on and off the pitch with you. Football has lost a great guy and player.”
Jay Bothroyd, who also played with Whittingham at Cardiff, added: “You were a great player and a great person! You will be missed but never forgotten.”
Ex-team-mate Aaron Ramsey of Juventus said: “I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing.
‘‘You were one of the most technical and gifted players I’ve played with and that left foot of yours was like a wand. I’m proud to have played alongside you.” Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who managed Whittingham at Cardiff, added: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham – a fantastic footballer and incredible human being. It’s hard to believe he has been taken from us at such a young age.”
Nuneaton-born Whittingham joined Cardiff for a bargain £350,000 and helped them reach the 2008 FA Cup Final, 2012 League Cup Final and win promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
He began his career with Aston Villa and had spells with Burnley, Derby and Blackburn. He played for England Under-21s 17 times.