Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies admits the passing of Michael Jackson has hit him hard.

In his blog for Villa's website, Davies wrote: "It's incredibly sad times with news of Michael Jackson's death. I am so shocked. I can't remember anybody's death hitting the world as hard since Princess Diana's passing.

"Just as he was trying to get back on track with the scheduled tour of the UK this tragedy hits.

"The man was a true legend. You need proof? A lot of us weren't really brought up in the era when his music was at its peak but we all know the words to a host of his songs.

"They have been playing the likes of Thriller, Billy Jean, Man in the Mirror on ALL of the music channels since the news and I must admit I've been singing along.

"No matter what troubles occurred in his personal life, the man was - and will always be - The King of Pop. RIP Michael Jackson."