Micah Richards paid tribute to his father Lincoln, who died shortly before the BBC pundit went on air about England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Former England right-back Richards was one of BBC One’s pundits in its coverage of the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat.
“Shortly before airing today, I received the terrible news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” Richards wrote on Instagram.
“His death was unexpected and he left us too soon.”
Richards, 38, a former Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina defender, won 13 caps for England.
He said his father “was my biggest fan” and “barely missed a game in my entire life.”
Richards added: “When I was a kid, he took me everywhere and he was the proudest parent throughout my professional career. It was so rare that he wasn’t next to me.
“I know how much watching England’s World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience brings families together across generations like nothing else.
“I know, especially as a proud Yorkshireman of the old school, Dad would want the show to go on this evening. And so it happened.
“Today I think of my brothers and sisters and my entire family as we remember my father, Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”