Nigel Pearson and Joe Williams have paid a touching tribute to Nathan Baker after the club showed their appreciation for his career in an emotional gesture on Saturday.
At half-time in Bristol City's 0-0 draw with Watford, the retired City favourite was handed a guard of honour from players and staff members as Ashton Gate rose to its feet. Baker, holding his baby boy Jax with his wife Catherine at his side, was presented with a framed signed shirt by manager Pearson.
It was a powerful moment of unity with Baker visibly emotional alongside a number of City players and supporters who had the privilege to watch him in action. The 31-year-old called time on his football career at the beginning of the season on medical advice from doctors.
Baker suffered two concussions last season in quick succession but his time at Ashton Gate, which dates back to his initial loan move from Aston Villa in 2015, will be remembered fondly for not only his quality but his personality and character on the pitch.
A gentle giant off the pitch, Baker had a reputation for his full-blooded challenges, winning headers that seemed inconceivable and playing with his heart on his sleeve during his 148 appearances. It was his passion and commitment that became the foundation of his relationship with the fans and the club.
Speaking after the game on Saturday, his former team-mate Williams said of Baker: "He's probably the opposite to what he's like on the pitch. A quiet, lovely lad.
"He's a brilliant lad and that was emotional. A few of the lads were welling up a bit just because of how good of a lad he is.
"I can't speak highly enough of him. He's a brilliant character and a brilliant person and I'm just happy I wasn't on the receiving end of any of his tackles."
Pearson added: "It was good that we could show our appreciation, both fans, club his team-mates in particular. I think that was a nice touch.
"Gill Holt, our physio, spoke to me a few weeks ago about how we could do it and I just think it was a nice touch to be able to show our appreciation and the club to be able to do that too.
"He's a really nice guy, and like Joe said, he's probably the opposite of what you see on the pitch. A nice touch today and for people to actually say goodbye in the right way because you don't want to see players retire for either injury or for him, with the concussion side of it.
"It's a really difficult thing but his health is the most important thing."
A number of City players have also taken to social media to share their admiration for respect for Baker including Nahki Wells who wrote: "Yesterday (Saturday) was definitely an emotional one.
"Just goes to show you how fortunate we are to have the careers we have and that can't be taken for granted. Finally we had the chance to give @Bakesy23 the send off he deserved. Congratulations again on an amazing career and it was an honour to play with you and out there going to war with you. Wishing you the best."
Striker Antoine Semenyo wrote: "Great guy, great friend. Glad to have shared highs and lows with you bro, enjoy retirement."
Andy King also added: "Only right @Bakesy23 got the send off he deserved. Body on the line every game and someone you'd want on your side every day of the week.
"Good luck for whatever the future holds. I'm sure you'll be a success."
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