Joe Thompson's daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to former Man United footballer and says he was the 'greatest man' after his death aged 36
- Joe Thompson sadly lost his cancer battle after being diagnosed for a third time
- Thompson died at the age of 36 on Thursday surrounded by his family at home
- His daughter Lula has provided the voiceover for a touching tribute to her father
Joe Thompson's daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late father after he tragically lost his battle with cancer aged 36 on Thursday.
Thompson, who came through Manchester United's academy and spent much of his playing career at Rochdale, was diagnosed with cancer for the third time last year.
He was found to have stage four lymphoma which had spread to his lungs after twice recovering from the disease before his retirement from football in 2019.
Thompson became a regular pundit on MUTV after hanging up his boots and held an ambassadorial role alongside his work as a motivational speaker and life coach.
He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Tributes flooded in after his death, including from many of his former clubs, and on Sunday, United shared a touching video featuring a voiceover from his daughter Lula.
Joe Thompson's daughter Lula has paid a touching tribute to her late dad after his death
Thompson (pictured with daughters Lula, Athena Rae and wife Chantelle) lost his cancer battle
He had twice recovered from the disease before retiring from football in 2019
In it, she narrated the story of his life, sharing tales of his success on and off the pitch, and in a tear-jerking moment declared Thompson to be the 'greatest man'.
'He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man,' Lula said. 'The best dad to me, my sister Athena and the best husband to my mummy Chantelle. I love you so much, dad.'
Thompson's wife Chantelle, the mother of their two children Lula and Athena Rae, paid tribute to her husband in a message she 'thought I would never have to write'.
'Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned,' Chantelle wrote.
'Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
'He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe's love every single day.
'It's been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way! He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others.
'He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but it's now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.
Chantelle penned an emotional message to her husband, saying he was 'brave' and 'incredible'
'The world will not be the same without his contagious energy', Chantelle added
Thompson became a motivational speaker in his retirement as well as working on MUTV
'I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!'
United described Thompson as 'a man who epitomised our club's values'.
'We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away,' they said.
'A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time.'
Thompson spent seven years in United's academy before joining Rochdale in 2006. He went on to make 203 appearances across three different spells.
His finest moment came when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory on the final day of the 2017-18 season, ensuring the club avoided relegation to League Two.
Rochdale wrote on social media that the club was 'devastated to learn of the passing of Dale legend, Joe Thompson', adding that he had passed away peacefully at home.
'Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
United paid tribute to Thompson, stating that he 'epitomised our club's values'
Rochdale, where Thompson spent the majority of his career, said they were 'devastated'
'One of our own. We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality.
'He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch.
'His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.
'Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time.'
