Alan Shearer became emotional while paying tribute to his father as Newcastle celebrated the end of a 70-year trophy drought.
The Newcastle icon joined a massive crowd of fans at a bus parade on Saturday, celebrating the club`s Carabao Cup victory.
Eddie Howe`s team defeated Liverpool 2-1 two weeks prior, securing their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
Thousands of fans filled the streets of Newcastle to welcome their triumphant team back to the North East.
Shearer, a former Toon striker, was among the emotional fans outside St James` Park.
Growing up in nearby Gosforth, the 54-year-old`s passion for football was ignited by his father, Alan.
Shearer`s father passed away last year at the age of 80 after battling cancer.
Alan Sr. was just 11 years old when Newcastle last won a domestic trophy in 1955.
Shearer revealed that his father was present at Newcastle`s trophy win before the Carabao Cup, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
Visibly moved on stage after the parade, Shearer shared, “Yes, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.”
“He was fortunate enough to be at the final in `69.”
“I only wish he could have held on for another year to witness and experience this moment.”
“But he would have been watching and would have been just as proud as I am.”
Shearer confessed to shedding tears at Wembley as Newcastle held on for victory against a late Liverpool push.
On the Rest is Football Podcast, he admitted, “I have to admit, I shed a tear or two when the final whistle blew because I thought of my dad.”
“I just wish he had been here yesterday. But he was looking down.”
“Even in his final days, he was talking about Newcastle and his hope for them to succeed and win the trophy.”
Shearer had previously written about his father`s influence in a heartfelt column last year.
In The Athletic, he wrote, “Without my dad here, a part of me feels lost and unmoored, and I hope you understand.”
“Without being overly sentimental, perhaps you might think of him when the Match of the Day theme song plays this weekend.”
“I know I will. And, if it feels right and appropriate, think of your family, too.”
“I`ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend, and I honestly can`t express how it will feel when that famous tune begins, but I know it will be difficult – very difficult.”
