The Irish sporting world was stunned on Friday night when news emerged that former Republic Of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller had passed away. The 36-year-old had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and his death was met with shock across Ireland and beyond with President Michael D. Higgins leading the tributes.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Liam Miller, who brought skill and passion to his games, for the Republic of Ireland, Cork City, Celtic, Manchester Utd. and other clubs. I send my condolences to his family and friends, and all those who love Irish sport.”
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) February 10, 2018
Miller represented 12 clubs throughout a sixteen-year professional career and shared dressing rooms with bonafide legends of the game such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Henrik Larsson. The father of three began his career at Celtic in Scotland where he caught the eye with some impressive Champions League performances before moving south to join Manchester United in 2004.
Spells at various other British clubs followed before Miller moved to Australia and he wound down his career at hometown club Cork City. He clearly left an impression on the football world as players past and present flocked to pay their respects online.
David Beckham, another former United midfielder said that ‘Our thoughts are with Liam’s family .. Rest In Peace’
Rio Ferdinand spoke glowingly about his former team mate on BT Sport, calling him a “pure, genuine guy”…
“You could see he was a really pure, genuine guy.”
Rio Ferdinand remembers Liam Miller. pic.twitter.com/E2EINriWX6
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 10, 2018
Wayne Rooney joined United in the same summer as Miller and was among hordes of players to pay tribute…
Gutted to hear the sad news about Liam Miller. Thoughts are with his family and friends
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) February 10, 2018
Terribly sad to hear the news of Liam Miller passing away this morning. Liam was at utd when I first signed. Same age as me. So very sad. Thoughts and prayers with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/GVFqRWIrVb
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) February 10, 2018
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of my former team mate Liam Miller. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZMLklsDlYw
— Ruud van Nistelrooy (@RvN1776) February 10, 2018
Truly terrible news my former Irish team mate Liam Miller has passed away. Taken far too soon,… https://t.co/Tj6Qe2MMHb
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) February 10, 2018
Rest In Peace young man ???? pic.twitter.com/wWWPGpFDVF
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) February 10, 2018
Terrible news Rip ❤️ https://t.co/6UgV2sH2bZ
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 10, 2018
Incredible sad news RIP Liam my heart goes out to all his family at this very difficult time.. pic.twitter.com/jgb4BhhXoj
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) February 10, 2018
Rest In Peace Liam Miller, taken way too soon, my thoughts and prayers are with Liams family, friends and club mates ???????? #ireland #celtic #manchester pic.twitter.com/FT5WTrCcJd
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 10, 2018
Sad hearing the awful news that Liam Miller has passed away this evening, taken far so soon by a terrible disease. Proud to have shared a dressing room with him over the years. #RIPLiamMiller
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) February 9, 2018
A host of Miller’s former clubs paid their respects over the weekend with Celtic honouring him before kick-off and Manchester United players wearing black armbands…
Remembering Liam Miller.
???? #RIPLiamMiller pic.twitter.com/fBur54ANvl
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 10, 2018
#MUFC will wear black armbands during today’s Premier League game against Newcastle United, in memory of Liam Miller. pic.twitter.com/lsn4EUiZ2m
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2018
We are saddened to hear this evening that former #SAFC midfielder Liam Miller has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/MQqL3x2acN
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 9, 2018
A minutes applause in honour of Liam Miller on 22 mins #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/LmCzYRtBeE
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) February 11, 2018
A tribute to Liam Miller ahead of his former club Melbourne City’s game against Sydney FC in the A-League. pic.twitter.com/a2oB6IxGON
— Back Page Football (@bpfootball) February 10, 2018
Everyone at Leeds United are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former #LUFC midfielder Liam Miller. Our thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/4rtm5yOL1v
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 9, 2018
Liam will be sadly missed not just here in Ireland but around the world. He had previously spoken about how Celtic and Manchester United were his boyhood teams so to have the opportunity to play for both is a testament to both his talent and character. He certainly lived the dream and judging by the outpouring of grief following his tragic death, he left a mark wherever he went.
A sad day for Irish sport.
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