LIVERPOOL stars paid a touching tribute to nine-year-old fan Jordan Banks, who died after being hit by lightning while playing football.
Reds’ players warmed up in “JORDAN 7” shirts before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Jordan was struck on a pitch in Blackpool on Tuesday and died soon afterwards in hospital.
Liverpool vice-skipper James Milner, who was not in action at United, also sent a special message in memory of Jordan, having praised him in January for astonishing fundraising for charity.
Next to a picture of a smiling Jordan, Milner posted: “A special boy taken far too soon. RIP Jordan, YNWA.”
Former England midfielder Milner, 35, had contacted Jordan four months ago after the lad ran 30 miles to raise more than £2,500 for a local mental health group.
Jordan took on the daunting test of endurance in honour of his Uncle Reece, who took his own life in 2018 and would have been 30 this year.
Milner described Jordan’s achievement as an “amazing thing” and an “incredible feat”.
The ex-Manchester City ace, known for his awesome workrate, said: “‘I heard you get called Mini-Milner because you’re very determined, so that’s an amazing skill to have.
“Never ever give up and I hear you’ve been out in all weather fighting in the cold and the rain, so you keep going, and keep doing what you’re doing, mate.
‘Just remember you’ll never walk alone.
“All the boys are behind you and I’ll send you a couple of shirts – one for yourself for doing an amazing thing and another that you can hopefully raise a bit of money from and put it towards all the money you’re raising.
“Well done bud, it’s an amazing achievement and you should be very proud.”
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Former Liverpool FC stars Sir Kenny Dalglish and Stan Collymore also paid tribute to the young Reds fan.
Sir Kenny, 70, tweeted: “RIP LittleMan.” Collymore, 50, wrote: “A very special little boy indeed.”
Blackpool Tower was lit up red on Wednesday in honour of Jordan.
A GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £60,000 for his legacy.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
