Atlanta United fullback Tyrone Mears said he “was in shock” when he heard about the bombing in Manchester, England, on May 22.
Mears grew up in Manchester and used to live near Manchester Arena, which is where the bombing occured during a concert by Ariana Grande.
Mears’ sister-in-law was at the concert, but left before the bomb detonated. He said he received a phone call later notifying him that she was safe. However, she shares a first name with one of youngest victims, which Mears said made the experience even more “difficult.”
Mears said more members of his family was supposed to go the concert, but their tickets didn’t arrive in time.
“I can’t really describe the impact it had on the whole city, the whole country,” he said. “It’s difficult, but we always get through it. We have to stick together.”
Mears, 34, made one appearance for Manchester City in a career that has included time with several teams in England.
He signed with Seattle and played there in 2015 and ’16, before Atlanta United acquired him in a trade. He has started 11 of the team’s 12 games.
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