Joe Thompson’s daughter paid tribute to her late father after having tragically lost her battle against 36 -year -old cancer on Thursday.
Thompson, who came by the Manchester United, spent much of his player career in Rochdale, received a cancer diagnosis for the third time last year.
It was found that he had stadium four lymphoma that had spread to his lungs after recovering twice before his football retirement in 2019.
Thompson became a regular expert on MUTV after hanging up his boots and held a role of ambassador alongside his work as a motivator and life coach.
He died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Tributes rose after his death, including many of his former clubs, and Sunday, United shared a touching video featuring a voiceover from his daughter Lula.
Joe Thompson’s daughter Lula paid tribute to her late father after his death
Thompson (photo with Lula girls, Athena Rae and his wife Chantelle) lost her battle against cancer
He had recovered twice from the disease before retiring from football in 2019
In this document, she told the story of her life, sharing stories of her success on and out of the field, and in a moment of tear said that Thompson was the “biggest man”.
“He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say that my father was the greatest man,” said Lula. “The best father for me, my sister Athena and my mom’s best husband 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 that I would never have to write ”.
“Our courageous and courageous Joey died in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a magnificent peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he is passing,” wrote Chantelle.
“Joe had such an impact on so many people and we are all grateful for him to bless ourselves with his presence and to be so strong and to stay with us as long as he has done it against all chances.
“ He was the most incredible husband, son, brother and father of our beautiful girls who will now bear his light and her inheritance and I will continue to continue to fill them with Joe’s love every day.
“It was a long battle, and that he fought with all his might and he did things in his own way!” He chose his way and traveled every step with the courage and pride closer to God every day while being there for so many others.
“He has kept his plans for the future to continue this heritage, but it is now time for him to rest and watch over us from heaven.
Chantelle wrote an emotional message to her husband, saying that she was “courageous” and “incredible”
“ The world will not be the same without its contagious energy ”, added Chantelle
Thompson has become a motivator lecturer in retirement as well as working on MUTV
“I know that he will deeply miss everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. May its inheritance and impact live!
United describes Thompson as “a man who embodies the values of our club”.
“We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has died,” they said.
“A warm personality who had a deep link with our club from an early age, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joe during this difficult period.”
Thompson spent seven years at the United Academy before joining Rochdale in 2006. He made 203 appearances on three different spells.
His best moment came when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory on the last day of the 2017-18 season, guaranteeing that the club avoided the relegation to League two.
Rochdale wrote on social networks that the club was “devastated to learn the death of Dale’s legend, Joe Thompson”, adding that he had died peacefully at home.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joe at the moment incredibly sad.
United paid tribute to Thompson, declaring that he “embodied the values of our club”
Rochdale, where Thompson spent the majority of his career, said they were `devastated ” ‘
“One of ours. We first knew Joe mainly as a talented footballer, but we would grow soon to love his loving and contagious personality.
“He faced each battle on the front, on and off the field.
“His travel and his indomitable mind were an inspiration for all those who were touched by his history. Above all, Joe was a chantelle loving husband and an incredible father of Thailula and Athena Rae.
“Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at the moment incredibly sad.”
