DEAN HENDERSON has posted a heartbreaking tribute following the death of his father Dougie.
The England goalkeeper confirmed the passing of his dad on social media.
Henderson, 27, shared a post which included eight pictures of himself and Dougie through the years.
This included snaps of them during the goalkeeper’s time at Sheffield United and current club Crystal Palace.
There were also pictures which showed Dougie coaching Henderson’s team when he was a child, Whitehaven Miners, as well as one of them celebrating winning promotion from the Championship with the Blades in 2019.
Henderson included an emotional tribute to his father as he hailed Dougie as his “best friend”.
He wrote: “Yesterday we had to say good bye to my best friend my first coach my role model.
“Someone who inspired me in the hardest times, who pushed me to be who I am today. And loved me no matter what.
“You were the best dad I could ever have wish for and I will cherish all the amazing memories we had together.
“The last year has been so difficult but you are finally at rest now.
“We shared amazing memories together, a journey from the bottom to the top, and I’m so proud of this. I love you!
“You will forever be with us!! Sleep tight Dad.”
The post has received a lot of attention as Henderson’s current and former team-mates have sent their support.
Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White posted: “Thinking of you bro.”
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw shared: “Stay strong mate.”
England team-mate Jude Bellingham commented multiple love heart emojis.
Scott McTominay wrote: “So sorry Dean.”
Former Man United wonderkid Angel Gomes said: “Thinking of you and your family bro.”
Ollie Watkins added: “Stay strong brother.”
Henderson was part of the England team that reached the final of Euro 2024.
In 2019, he spoke about the influence of Dougie and his mother, Yvonne, on his life and career.
He told The News and Star: “They’ve been rocks for me, driving me up and down the country.
“I couldn’t do anything without them.
“I still remember trying to improve on crosses and getting my mum and dad to throw balls for me on the cul-de-sac at home and I think I was obsessed with it in a way.”
