Prince William sends Aston Villa message and touching tribute to Gary Shaw
Prince William has paid tribute to Gary Shaw after the Aston Villa legend died at the age of 63. Shaw, who had been in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a head injury as the result of a fall, passed away on Monday.
Shaw is regarded as one of the best strikers in Villa's 150-year history, having scored 79 times in 213 appearances for the club. In 1981, having contributed 18 goals to their League Championship triumph, he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. He also played a key role in the club's European conquest a year later.
Tributes have since poured in after Shaw's passing was confirmed, and the Duke of Cambridge, who is a Villa fan, has become the latest to send a heartwarming eulogy - and message to Unai Emery's side ahead of their Champions League opener against Young Boys on Tuesday.
LIVE | Young Boys vs Aston Villa LIVE match updates from the Wankdorf Stadium
READ | I lifted the European Cup thanks to 'humble' Aston Villa hero Gary Shaw
He said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter: "The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born.
"Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure! My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday. #UTV W."
Villa issued a statement of their own on Monday following Shaw's death. "Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away," it began.
"Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s. Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.
"He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."