ECNETNews reports that former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60.
Shakespeare passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, surrounded by his family, after battling cancer for the past year.
He rose to prominence as the assistant to Claudio Ranieri during Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title-winning campaign in 2016.
Following Ranieri’s departure, Shakespeare took the helm of the Foxes and led them to a historic victory over Sevilla, securing a place in the Champions League quarter-finals during their first appearance in the competition.
A family statement released by the League Managers Association expressed immense pride in Shakespeare’s footballing accomplishments, stating, “To us, he will always primarily be a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. The loss is devastating for us all, and we ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as we mourn the loss of a very special person.”
Before working under Ranieri, Shakespeare assisted Nigel Pearson at Leicester, playing a key role in the team’s remarkable escape from relegation in 2015, the season prior to their epic title win.
Nigel Pearson described Shakespeare as “one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced, and outrageously funny people,” which highlights the profound impact he had on those around him.
As tributes pour in, Shakespeare’s legacy in football remains significant, and he will be fondly remembered by colleagues and fans alike.
