The brother of Michael Newberry has paid an emotional tribute to the Irish League footballer saying that he will always be proud of him and will spend the rest of his life honouring his memory.

Newberry - who played for Cliftonville and Linfield in the Irish League - died on December 30, on what was his 27th birthday, with his death sending shockwaves throughout the footballing community and devastating his family who are still coming to terms with his loss.

His brother Adrian Salem told Belfast Live that he will spend the rest of his life honouring Michael's memory, saying that he had made him the "proudest big brother".

Read more: Michael Newberry: Fundraising page set up to support family of late Cliftonville player

Read more: Football is secondary as Cliftonville come to terms with Michael Newberry loss says Dean Shiels

He said that the pair were very close growing up and he has treasured memories of them training together, with Adrian helping Michael with football and Michael holding the pads for him while he trained at boxing.

He fondly remembers his brother coming home from the Newcastle United Academy at 13 and showing off the new skills that he learned there in the back garden.

Adrian said: "Even though we had a seven year age gap between us, we were always very close growing up. I could tell that he looked up to me from a young age and then as he got older and his talents began to shine this relationship changed a bit and I was always so proud of everything that he did.

"He was not just a brilliant footballer, but a kind, loving and caring young man who would have an impact on everyone that he met and the outpouring of grief here in the North East and from his fans in Northern Ireland showed just how much he meant to people.

"I am just thankful that over the years I took hundreds of photographs and videos of our time together and his successes on the pitch, from his young days playing at Red House Farm to when he represented Northern Ireland. I never thought about how important they would be to me, but now that Michael is gone they are all I have and they are something that I will treasure forever.

"Since his passing we have received thousands of kind messages of support from fans and those who knew and loved Michael, it feels like he was a movie star with the amount of people's lives that he touched, and as a family we are very grateful to everyone who has reached out to tell us how much he meant to them."

On Saturday, Adrian took part in a special "park run" with friends and family around St James' Park in Newcastle, with the five kilometres they ran being a fitting tribute to Michael who wore number five for Cliftonville.

He continued: "At the weekend I wanted to do Michael's local parkrun, but it was cancelled due to the weather which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it was just his family and friends who turned up to do three laps of the stadium. Three laps of the stadium was about 5km which was perfect for Michael as he had worn number five during his playing career.

"It was very emotional but showed that even in his death, Michael was able to bring people together.

"As a family we are all really struggling to come to terms with his loss, it has just broke us, and I would do anything just to have one more minute with him to tell him how much I loved him and how proud he made me every single day. For the rest of my life I will do all that I can to honour his memory and I he will always be in my thoughts in everything that I do."

Adrian also thanked everyone who has contributed to the Gofundme appeal for Michael's family that was set up by their friend Shannon Hands, which has received nearly £9,000 in donations since it was launched on Saturday.

The page reads: "On Monday 30th December 2024, on his 27th birthday, Michael Newberry tragically passed away in Newcastle. Michael was a professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his football career at Newcastle United, joining the academy from the age of 11 and was awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016, which made his family immensely proud.

"He then went on to play for Iceland with Víkingur Ólafsvík and in Northern Ireland with Linfield and Cliftonville, a much loved player and friend to many. Michael was known for always having a smile on his face, making people laugh and being there for others.

"Understandably, this has come as a huge shock to family and friends and not something anyone was prepared for, or ever imagined.

"Michael leaves behind a loving family, Father Michael, Mother Maureen, siblings Adrian, Kayla, Kyle and Matthew.

"I have set up this fundraising page with the family's permission to help them pay for funeral costs, and to ease some of the pressure whilst they navigate their grief at this sad time. Any donation, big or small, is massively appreciated and will be welcomed by the family.

"'What a great player. A great human being. The memory of a good boy lives on'.

"Thank you for you reading. Rest in Peace, Michael."

Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundMe page can do so HERE

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