The captain of Chelsea Football Club has sent his condolences to the family of tragic Connor McDonald.

The touching letter from captain John Terry on behalf of the Premier League club was read out at the nine-year-old’s funeral by family friend and referee Martin Bagshaw.

Addressed to Connor’s parents, Paul and Kate, it read: “It is with great sadness that we have been informed that your son has recently passed away. We know he was a devoted fan.

“We understand he will be dearly missed by his family and friends and it is with sorrow that we are sending this letter.

“Fans like Connor have made this football club what it is today, and we are sorry to hear of your loss. The players, coaching team and all the staff at Chelsea Football Club would like to send you, Joe and Declan [Connor’s brothers] our deepest sympathies.”

In addition to the letter, a signed photo from Connor’s favourite player, midfielder Eden Hazard, has also been sent to his family.

Next to his signature, the Belgian soccer star had written: “To Connor McDonald. Sleep soundly, little man.”

Football mad Connor McDonald, of Hythe Road, Dymchurch died on Tuesday, October 27, after falling into the sea near his home.

An inquest into his death, which opened earlier this month, revealed he died from immersion after he either slipped, fell or was swept into the sea while playing on rocks near the sea wall with a friend.

On Tuesday, more than 300 people, including family, school friends, teachers and team-mates, gathered to say farewell to talented player Connor.

The emotional service was led by Rev Dick Venn, at Ulcombe Church, in Ulcombe, near Maidstone, where Connor’s grandfather is laid to rest.

The choir from The John Wallis Academy, in Stanhope, where Connor’s brothers Joe and Declan are pupils, led hymns Here I am Lord, Lord of the Dance and Morning has Broken.

John McParland, principal of The John Wallis Academy, said: “It was an honour to support the family and the boys. It was tough for them, as Connor was so young, but we did prepare them.”

A poem by Connor’s cousin, Solomon Harris, was also read out, and a version of the youngster’s favourite song – Mull of Kintyre by Wings – was played at the end of the service, which had been recorded and performed by the children at Furley Park Academy, where Connor was a pupil.

Afterwards, Connor’s blue and white Chelsea-themed coffin, decorated with pictures of some of the players, was buried in the churchyard.

The wake was then held Homelands Stadium, in Kingsnorth.

Family friend Mary Daly, who helped the family organise the funeral, read the touching eulogy at the service.

She spoke of a determined young boy, who was always smiling, happy and trying his best. She said he was always “polite, respectful and full of manners”, and represented what children should be.

She said Connor, a passionate and talented footballer, showed maturity and respect for his coaches and managers.

She recalled the first time, three years ago, when his dad Paul became manager of Ashford United Juniors, and how she fell in love with him that day.

She read: “Connor Seamus was born on March 27, 2006 to Kate, Paul and brothers Joe and Declan. He took his first step at one and that was the start of what those magical feet would do.

“Football was his passion, but as Connor would start school life in Furley Park, his natural ability would shine in every sport he did.

“Paul Ketley, his head teacher, said Connor was always smiling and known to all the staff, he was always happy, and tried so hard.

“He was brilliant at sports days and only a few weeks ago came first in a country race. It was not just in sport that Connor’s determination showed, it was in his school work too.

“Connor’s tragic death on October 27 not only shocked the local football world but the whole of Kent and beyond. Books of condolences have been opened in schools, and football clubs.

“Last week I was at Connor’s school and to see the parents queue to sign the book was heartbreaking. A minute’s applause was held on November 1-2, and teams both young and old marked the loss of Connor with applause.

“It was not until I read the paper the following week, that I read how rugby clubs and hockey clubs all had a minute’s applause too.

“Even now it’s surreal speaking about a nine-year-old boy, who without even knowing it, had touched so many lives.

“The week before Connor died he said to his dad, ‘Dad, do you think I’ll be famous?’.

“Paul replied ‘Sure you will’, then Connor asked ‘What if it’s not because of football?’.

“Paul said ‘I don’t care if it’s for playing an instrument, singing, only that you’re happy’.

“Connor replied ‘I will be famous, Dad’.

“Well Connor, in heaven you are and that I so know, and Connor, you are ‘famous’.

“To Connor McDonald. Sleep soundly, little man” - Eden Hazard

But all here would wish you were still with us.”

Mrs Daly, a mum-of-four, said the youth section in Ashford has been left heartbroken but said next week the players will unite for a mini kick-about at Homelands, Ashford Utd’s home ground.

She added that at the Ashford United youth football tournament in the summer, the Connor McDonald Memorable Cup will be played for.

She said: “As long as there is a youth section in Ashford that cup will be played for every year, and Connor’s legacy will be known to the generations of young boys and girls to come.

"I know Connor is kicking a ball with Georgie Best in heaven, showing him all his skills.”