GARY Speed described his wife and children as the people he “cherished the most” in a poignant interview given shortly before his death.
The 42-year-old father-of-two said his family meant everything to him and was more important than any medal he had won during his lengthy career.
In the interview with FourFourTwo magazine, the Mancot-born Wales football manager said: “The item I cherish the most isn’t material. I don’t even know where my Leeds United championship medal is.
“So I’d say family: we’re an item and they mean everything to me.”
An inquest opening in Warrington this week heard how the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder was found hanged by his wife Louise at his home in Huntington, Chester, on Sunday.
Det Insp Peter Lawless, of Cheshire Constabulary, told the hearing there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances and a post-mortem examination found Speed’s death was caused by hanging.
The inquest was adjourned until January 30. Speed’s sister, Lesley Haylock, wrote on social networking site Twitter: “I have lost my brother, my friend, my inspiration.
“I hope you are at peace now Gary. I miss you so much.”
l Tributes were paid at Wrexham FC’s match against Darlington last night. See pages 61, 62 and 63.