Micah Richards revealed he carried out his broadcasting duties for England's World Cup semi-final defeat despite receiving devastating news about his father's passing just moments before the cameras started rolling.
The former England defender was part of the BBC's punditry team for the Three Lions' 2-1 loss to Argentina in Atlanta. Shortly before going on air, Richards learned that his dad, Lincoln, had died unexpectedly.
Despite the heartbreak, Richards chose to fulfil his commitments throughout the live coverage. Once the programme ended, he shared an emotional tribute on social media alongside a childhood photo with his father.
"Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away," Richards wrote. "His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon. He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life."
He continued: "He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side."
Richards explained his decision to stay on air, writing: "I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, Dad would've wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did."
He added: "Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."
Fellow pundits and former players rallied around Richards following the news. Tottenham and England star James Maddison wrote: "Sending love mate." Ex-England women's international and TV pundit Jill Scott said: "Thinking of you and your family Micah x x." talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor offered: "Love you brother." Joe Hart, who worked alongside Richards and Wayne Rooney on the BBC's coverage, commented: "Sending love Meeks … here for you all. RIP Lincoln."
On the pitch, England suffered yet another World Cup heartbreak. Anthony Gordon's close-range finish on 55 minutes looked set to send the Three Lions through, but Argentina turned the match on its head late on. Enzo Fernandez levelled with a long-range strike that beat Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martinez headed home a Lionel Messi cross from the right in stoppage time to complete the comeback and book the world champions a final against Spain on Sunday.
It marked the third time England have lost a World Cup semi-final since winning the tournament in 1966. Gareth Southgate's side now face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday.