Cardiff City manager Omer Riza has announced the passing of his father.

The Bluebirds manager spoke with the press on Thursday afternoon to preview Saturday's South Wales derby, however just hours later he took to social media to share the sad news.

"I’ve just lost the greatest man in my life, shocked, devastated, love you," Riza said on Instagram, alongside the photo of them both together in a swimming pool.

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"Thank you for everything you have done for me. You can never be replaced dad, I love you."

Riza's father, Josh, served as his agent during his playing days and was largely responsible for touting him around to Turkish clubs after he left Cambridge United in 2003, eventually landing him a deal with Denizlispor, where the former striker thrived.

Riza has credited his father for helping him fight his lengthy legal battle in Turkey after Trabzonspor defaulted on paying his salary. Riza subsequently walked out on the club but was then found to be the party who broke his contract, rather than the club for not paying him, and was banned from playing football as a consequence. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

Speaking to Goal in 2020 about the years-long fight over his case in Turkey, Riza said: "It’s been my father and my family helping to push me because there’s been many times when I’ve thought I cannot do this anymore. But having strong people around has helped keep me strong.”

Riza's son is also named Josh and currently plays in Watford's academy.

Cardiff City FC posted on social media on Friday morning to say: "We are all with you, Gaffer."