ELLA TOONE broke down in tears after receiving a heartfelt message from the dad of England teammate Alessia Russo.
Both players are preparing to turn out for the Lionesses this summer as Sarina Wiegman’s team look to defend their Euro crown.
Ella Toone was left in tears after receiving a heartfelt messageX/BBCMOTD
The England ace was emotional as her late father Nick was fondly rememberedX/BBCMOTD
England start their campaign next month against France before further tricky group tests against the Netherlands and Wales.
Russo and Toone will both be hoping to make a major impact, with the latter netting in England’s 2022 final win over Germany.
But the Manchester United star has been forced to endure heartbreak this season after dad Nick Toone passed away in September
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory.
And Nick sadly died three days before his 60th birthday, with Toone recently revealing she “didn’t properly grieve” his passing.
But ahead of this summer’s continental competition, Toone was left in tears as the father of England teammate and Arsenal star Russo paid tribute to Nick.
Mario Russo appeared on his daughter’s podcast, which she co-hosts with Toone.
And as Mario hailed Nick, Arsenal ace Toone immediately became emotional.
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He said: “As this is a Toone and Russo podcast, it’s only right that I should also say that Nick, Ella’s dad, was one of my best friends in football.
“We met many years ago when the girls were playing at England youth together and we were fortunate enough to travel around Europe watching them play.
Alessia Russo’s father Mario paid tribute to Toone’s dadX/BBCMOTD
Both Toone and Russo were left in tears afterX/BBCMOTD
“Which culminated in Nick and I having to spend many hours in some, quite frankly, dodgy establishments, mulling over every minute of every game that we watched our daughters play.
“I’ve got some fantastic memories of those times. I know that Nick’s values and the qualities that he taught Ella will hold her in good stead and guide her through her career and off the pitch as well.
“And I know that Nick’s watching from above and he’s sorely missed by everybody that knew him.”
Teary-eyed Toone was all smiles as she responded: “Oh my god, now I am crying.
“Nice one Mario, this is meant to be a fun pod, now we’re all crying. It was all good until then. That’s so nice, bless him.”
Fans were quick to react to the heartwarming incident, with one saying: “Love that.”
Another declared: “Aww, that was pure emotion.”
One added: “An example of a real man.”
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