Manchester United defender Rhys Bennett has released a heartbreaking statement, revealing his father has taken his own life.
The Sun report that the club is providing pastoral care for the 21-year-old after the devastating family tragedy.
Bennett wrote on Instagram, alongside pictures of his father: ‘Dad, I never thought I’d have to write this so soon, over the weekend I found out that he’d took his own life.
‘Broken, devastated, just don’t want to believe it’s real but the sad reality is that it is, from driving me here, there and everywhere as a kid to watching me fulfil my dream of becoming a professional footballer.
‘I love you in this life and the next.
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‘Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, please speak up, you don’t realise how much you are truly loved.’
Manchester United have given Bennett compassionate leave as he grieves for his father.
Bennett is yet to make a senior appearance for Manchester United, but has been involved in the first team squad on match day.
He was captain of the Red Devils side which won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, playing alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
He has since spent time on loan with Stockport County and Fleetwood Town, making 19 appearances for the Cod Army last season.
