EMMA HAYES broke down in tears after her Chelsea players paid an emotional tribute to her late father.
The legendary Blues boss, 46, recently lost her father at the age of 82.
Sky SportsEmma Hayes was moved to tears after Chelsea’s WSL win over Tottenham[/caption]
AlamyChelsea’s stars gifted the boss a touching tribute to her late father[/caption]
Despite that heartbreak, she still had to prepare her side for yesterday’s WSL opener against Tottenham.
Hayes opened up on the agony of her father’s death in her matchday programme notes.
She wrote: “I’d like to take this opportunity to honour my father, Richard Parker Hayes, affectionally known as Sidi.
“Life just won’t be the same without him and he’s a big part of who I am.
“I’m forever grateful for the support he’s given me and as a family, we’ve lost a massive part of our lives.
“I hope to continue to do him proud everyday with the work I’m doing here.”
And she was then moved to tears as her players presented her with a shirt that had the number 82 on the back with the word “Papa” above it after their 2-1 victory.
The Chelsea team and staff had assembled in a huddle on the Stamford Bridge pitch when captain Millie Bright gave her manager a hug before handing her the framed jersey.
The scene was captured by Sky Sports’ cameras as Hayes struggled to hold the tears, and they soon had fans talking on social media.
One wrote: “This is what being part of the blue family means. Sending you lots of love Emma Hayes.”
Another said: “She’s an absolute legend and inspiration to 1000s of women and young girls.”
As a fellow supporter added: “Emma needed that hug – reminds us to value every minute we’re granted and to care for one another.”
Hayes, who has won six league titles and eight domestic trophies, led her team to a 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Mia Fishel and Lauren James.
She was named The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021, the same year that she was inducted into the WSL hall of fame.
Hayes, who previously managed Chicago Red Stars in the States, has been in charge of the Blues for over a decade.
The icon was also made an MBE in 2016 for her work in the women’s game and that was followed by an OBE last year.
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