EMMA HAYES broke down in tears after her Chelsea players paid an emotional tribute to her late father.<br /><br />The legendary Blues boss, 46, recently lost her father at the age of 82.<br /><br />Despite that heartbreak, she still had to prepare her side for yesterday’s WSL opener against Tottenham.<br /><br />Hayes opened up on the agony of her father’s death in her matchday program notes.<br /><br />She wrote: “I'd like to take this opportunity to honor my father, Richard Parker Hayes, affectionally known as Sidi.<br /><br />“Life just won't be the same without him and he's a big part of who I am.<br /><br />“I'm forever grateful for the support he's given me and as a family, we've lost a massive part of our lives.<br /><br />“I hope to continue to do him proud every day with the work I'm doing here.”<br /><br />She was then moved to tears as her players presented her with a shirt that had the number 82 on the back with the word “Papa” above it after their 2-1 victory.<br /><br />The Chelsea team and staff had assembled in a huddle on the Stamford Bridge pitch when captain Millie Bright hugged her manager before handing her the framed jersey.<br /><br />The scene was captured by Sky Sports’ cameras as Hayes struggled to hold back the tears, and they soon had fans talking on social media.<br /><br />One wrote: “This is what being part of the blue family means. Sending you lots of love Emma Hayes.”<br /><br />Another said: “She's an absolute legend and inspiration to 1000s of women and young girls.”<br /><br />As a fellow supporter added: “Emma needed that hug - reminds us to value every minute we’re granted and to care for one another.”<br /><br />Hayes, who has won six league titles and eight domestic trophies, led her team to a 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Mia Fishel and Lauren James.<br /><br />She was named The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021, the same year that she was inducted into the WSL hall of Fame.<br /><br />Hayes, who previously managed Chicago Red Stars in the States, has been in charge of the Blues for over a decade.<br /><br />The icon was also made an MBE in 2016 for her work in the women’s game and that was followed by an OBE last year.
