Emma Hayes left in tears at Chelsea stars' touching gesture after dad's death
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes broke down in tears following her side's 2-1 victory over Tottenham as she was presented with a tribute from her players in honour of her late father.
On Monday, Hayes announced the tragic passing of her father, Sid, on social media. The Chelsea boss has long described her father as a cornerstone in her football career, owing his influence to her unprecedented success.
Ahead of the new WSL season, Hayes said she would honour the legacy of her late father by continuing her success with the Blues in the upcoming season. But after the 2-1 victory over Spurs on Sunday evening, it was her players and staff who honoured Hayes as they surprised their manager with a framed Chelsea shirt with 'Papa' engraved on the back above the number 82, the age at which Hayes' father passed away.
Hayes, visibly moved to tears, was consoled by her players and staff on the pitch as she took in the touching gesture. At Cobham ahead of the new season, Hayes had said: “I will say this, I say it on behalf of all my family, if I didn’t come to work today then I could hear my dad, I would hear him in me and he would be saying get your backside to work.
“You’ve got a game to prepare for and a title to defend. It is important we get on with life and I will honour that. I was very, very happy to see the players and come back to start.”
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Chelsea began their title defence with a 2-1 victory over London rivals Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening. A debut goal from new signing Mia Fishel and a second-half volley from Lauren James were enough to put the match out of reach from a spirited Tottenham side, despite Martha Thomas' late goal doing well to set up a nervy ending.
The Blues were without taliswoman Sam Kerr, who is still recovering from injury following the Women's World Cup.
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