England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has revealed in a heartfelt tribute that her grandpa died two days before the start of the women’s Euros tournament.
Hampton was colossal for England in its pulsating victory over Spain in the final on Monday (AEST), making a series of critical interventions and saving two penalties in the shootout to help her team retain the title.
Hampton, a teammate of Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter at Chelsea, has since opened up about her late grandpa in an emotional Instagram post.
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“Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left,” Hampton wrote.
“You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would be like.
Hannah Hampton lifting the women’s Euros trophy after England’s defeat of Spain. Getty
“You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life. About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way.”
Hampton accompanied the words with a picture of her green England shirt, which had “grandpa” written on the inside.
Hannah Hampton’s England shirt. Instagram
“It breaks my heart that you didn’t get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament … something you dreamed of for me, something we talked about so many times,” Hampton continued.
“But I know, deep down, you were still there. I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments. I heard you in my head when I needed strength.
“I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT.”
England’s Euros victory on Monday (AEST) followed its 2022 triumph.
