Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany laid a wreath today in memory of a former ballboy who tragically died of cancer aged just 19.

Elliott Fernandez-Sanz, from Denton in Tameside, spent nine years on the touchline of the Etihad Stadium helping get the ball back into play at City games.

He played a part in the club’s defining moment, placing the ball on the spot for the corner which led to Edin Dzeko’s injury-time equaliser as they beat QPR 3-2 to win the title in 2012.

However he was diagnosed with a rare form of sacroma cancer in February last year.

Despite battling his way back to health the disease struck again and he suffered a relapse over Christmas.

(Image: Manchester City FC)

His family launched a desperate appeal to raise more than £100,000 for specialist treatment overseas however he died late last month.

Today City paid their respects to the youngster whose story had touched the hearts of not just Blues supporters but fans of all clubs.

Captain Vincent Kompany laid a wreath in his memory before today’s match with Swansea, which City won 2-1 with another last minute goal.

He placed the wreath of sky blue and white flowers at the corner spot in front of the North Stand where Elliott played the ‘unique role’ in the title win five years ago as fans applauded.

(Image: Manchester City FC)

The Blues boss Pep Guardiola also paid tribute to business student Elliott in the match day programme.

During his first bout of illness, through the charity the Willow Foundation, Elliott was granted his wish to meet his hero Sergio Aguero.

He was invited into the club’s training ground where also met Guardiola, who talked to him about his days as a ball-boy at Barcelona as a young boy.

Today Pep said: “Elliott was a wonderful young man, who played a unique role in the club’s history and we know his story has touched the hearts of many fans.

“It was an honour to meet him last year and reminisce about our days as ball boys.

WATCH: Cancer stricken former Manchester City ball boy

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“The club was deeply saddened by the news of Elliott’s passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

The crowd-funding appeal generated more than £30,000 in just five days.

Announcing his death his mum Beverley Clarke Fernandez said: ““It was my absolute privilege to be chosen as his mum. He was my entire world and always will be.

“We are going to do what Elliott would have wanted with your donations and set up a fund in his name for research into this horrible, evil disease. That was what he wanted, to help others.

“If we can save just one life, then he would have been elated. Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts.”