ACTUALITE |
26.06.2003
Foe´s death stuns football
The football world is reeling from the death of Manchester City´s Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed while playing for Cameroon.
The 28-year-old took ill during the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in Lyon, France, on Thursday evening.
Foe spent the season on loan to Manchester City, who were hoping to sign him from French club Olympique Lyon.
And City chairman John Wardle was quick to express the club´s sorrow at the news.
"Foe was wonderful to have around the club," Wardle told BBC Radio Five Live.
"He was instrumental in our success on our return to the Premiership and he got on well with everyone as a player and a friend.
"He always had a smile on his face and was humble as well.
"Foe also scored the last-ever goal at Maine Road and he will go down in history for that.
Foe previously played for West Ham United, after moving there in a £4m deal in 1999.
And West Ham spokesman Peter Stewart told Five Live that the player always had time for the fans.
He said: "I´m absolutely stunned by this news.
"Although Marc was only with us a short while, he was a very popular figure at Upton Park and a lovely guy.
"He renewed old friendships with us and gave members of staff a big hug when he returned with Man City.
"It´s dreadful news and on behalf of everyone at West Ham, we would like to pass on our condolences to his family."
Foe´s former boss, Harry Redknapp, was very emotional on hearing the news.
He said: "You couldn´t meet a nicer, more fantastic person than Marc Foe.
"He was a special boy - I just can´t believe it."
Redknapp said the player was in peak physical condition and had interested Manchester United before he broke his leg.
As soon as the news broke, fans began paying tribute on the Manchester City fansite Blue Moon.
"Just heard the news, what a terrible thing to happen," wrote one.
"I am sure we all will join in passing on our deepest sympathies to his young family at this very sad time, our thoughts are with you all," another fan wrote.
His club Olympique Lyonnais paid tribute on Foe´s official website.
A statement said: "Marc-Vivien Foe will leave us the memory of a charming boy, the incarnation of the joy in life.
"We will keep of him his bursts of laughter, the music which comes out of the changing room, and his kindness away from the ground.
"Marco, we will not forget you."
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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