By Aaron Miller-
Michael Jordan made a moving tribute to the family of Shane Warne following the state funeral for the late cricketer in his home nation of Australia earlier this week.
The NBA legend sent flowers to the family of Shane Warne following the cricket legend’s memorial at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night.
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Posted to her Instagram story, Shane’s daughter Brooke Warne proudly captioned the image with: “Flowers from someone extremely special. Thank you Michael Jordan.”
The tribute followed the memorial service in Melbourne on Wednesday for the late bowler – who passed away at the age of 52 earlier this month , attended by his family and well wishers.
Brooke and her siblings Summer, and Jackson were all commended for their speeches at their father’s memorial.
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Warne’s ex-fiancee Liz Hurley wrote on Brooke’s Instagram: “Your speech was magical. I love you and see you soon. SW23 FOREVER.”
While also commenting on Jackson’s post: “I love you Jackson. The Lion would be proud of you. See you soon.”
The Australian cricketer posted a photo of the pair to his Instagram in 2020, with the image dating back to 1994 when the pair crossed paths at the Nike headquarters.
The image shows Jordan holding a Sherrin footy in one hand, a gift from Warne who was a St Kilda fan.
Shane had at the time shared the image following the release of the Last Dance documentary series, captioning it: “Really enjoyed the first two episodes of the Michael Jordan documentary and bought back some great memories of hanging with the great MJ at Nike in the states!”
Warne’s death made international headlines , touching the sporting world in particular because of his outstanding legacy in cricket that earned him enormous respect.
The state funeral led to further tributes to the father-of-three from his children and a number of celebrities, including singers Chris Martin, 45, and Kylie Minogue, 53.
Basketball legend Jordan, 59, reached out to Warne’s family recently, with him having made a touching gesture as they mourn the loss of him.
Jordan and Warne were both legendary players in their respective sports and met in the 90’s when they were both sponsored by Nike.
A throwback photo of the pair – unearthed prior to Warne’s passing – showed the two men posing together earlier in their careers, when Jordan played for the Chicago White Soxs.
Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran and a host of former cricketers also led the tributes to Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne at an emotional memorial service. Ed Sheeran has said that he learnt about close friend Shane Warne’s death from a photographer outside his ongoing “Shape of You” trial.
Warne died aged 52 from a suspected heart attack while on a boys’ holiday on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand on Friday, March 4.
The cricketer is survived by his three children, ex-wife Simone Callahan, parents Brigitte and Keith, and brother Jason.
The recent memorial service for Warne was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – known as the MCG – where a stand in honour of the late cricketer was unveiled earlier this week
Rest in peace: Friends and family shared fun anecdotes offering a glimpse of Warne’s colourful life and fun-loving personality, while his children, Brooke, 24, Summer, 20, and Jackson, 23, (pictured) remembered their father for his unconditional love and support
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An estimated 50,000 people, including television stars, sportsstars and politicians, were in attendance at the state memorial as family and loved ones paid tribute.
The Southern Stand being officially renamed the Shane Warne Stand in honour of the legendary bowler-turned-commentator.