Ozzy Osbourne dead: Premier League club he had 'special connection' with release statement

Premier League club Aston Villa have issued a heartfelt tribute toOzzy Osbourne and his "special connection" to the club after the rock legend's death at the age of 76.

The former Black Sabbath star passed away on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones after years of battling ill health. He had only just performed in front of fans in Birmingham at the start of the month as he headlined a show called Back to the Beginning - which was held at Villa Park.

Osbourne - who was known as The Prince Of Darkness - had to undergo a strict training programme in order to be in a good condition to perform at the show after being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019.

Villa said they were "saddened" to hear about his passing as they gave a nod towards Osbourne's upbringing in Birmingham, where his iconic band Black Sabbath was formed.

A statement read: "Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.

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"Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.

"The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Ozzy."

His wife Sharon Osbourne previously detailed how Osbourne was gearing up for his big farewell concert at Villa Park.

She said: "Ozzy's working with his therapist every single day. He's doing really well, actually. Ozzy's number one thing in life is his fans, so he's working hard to be ready for them, to make this show the perfect way to end things."

It was an emotional day for the veteran rock star as his daughter Kelly got engaged to partner Sid Wilson in front of her father at the concert, while he also met fans who spent hours queuing up to see him in the Midlands.

Speaking about what would end up being his final show, the legend couldn't hide his pride over the performance.

He said: "It’s my final encore; it’s my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me. I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning."

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