BOURNEMOUTH’S players warmed up in shirts emblazoned with ‘Afobe 9’ in tribute to their former striker Benik Afobe whose daughter died on December 1.
The Cherries host Liverpool at the Vitality and donned the shirts in a show of solidarity with Afobe who is dealing with the loss of two-year-old Amora from a severe infection.
Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson holds up the tribute shirts to former Cherries striker Benik AfobeCredit: AFC Bournemouth – Getty
Afobe’s two-year-old daughter died from a severe infection on December 1Credit: Rex Features
Dominic Solanke sits among the specially printed training topsCredit: AFC Bournemouth – Getty
The tops were prepared for all of the players before their game vs LiverpoolCredit: AFC Bournemouth – Getty
Last Friday evening, Amora was taken to hospital after “unexpectedly” developing the infection before a “number of serious complications” claimed her life.
Afobe is currently on loan at Bristol City from Stoke and he announced the sad news on Sunday morning with a statement on Twitter.
In it, Afobe says that his and wife Lois Smith’s daughter passed away with “the love of her family by her side”.
The statement read: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Afobe family have today confirmed the devastating news that their first child, their beloved daughter Amora, 2, passed away late on Friday evening.
“Amora was taken to hospital for treatment after unexpectedly developing a severe infection.
“Unfortunately she then suffered a number of serious complications and, despite doctors doing absolutely everything that they possibly could, Amora passed away peacefully with the love of her family by her side.
“The entire family have been left totally devastated and heartbroken, and would like to ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Bristol City striker announced the sad news on Sunday morning with a statement on TwitterCredit: Rex Features
Last Friday evening (December 1), Amora was taken to hospital after ‘unexpectedly’ developing the infection before a ‘number of serious complications’ claimed her lifeCredit: Rex Features
Condolences poured in from across the footballing world.
A statement from Bristol City CEO Mark Ashton read: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol City are with Benik and his wife Lois at this tragic time.
“We cannot imagine the heartache they are feeling and we will do all we can to support them.”
Parent club Stoke wrote online: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Stoke City are with Benik Afobe following this morning’s tragic news.
“We’ll be with you, Benik.”
Afobe graduated from the Arsenal academy after joining the club as a boy and the Gunners tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Benik Afobe’s daughter, Amora.
“Everyone in the Arsenal family sends love and support to Benik and his family at this heartbreaking time.”
Former Bournemouth teammate Jack Wilshere posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: “Benik, my brother, my words will never mean enough to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss, and I know that no words will heal the pain in your hearts right now, just know I am here for you, Lois and your family always.
“You, Lois and Alba are our family. And Amora infectious smile will live on in our hearts forever. I love you my friend stay strong.”
Afobe joined Arsenal in 2001 as a youth player, and signed a professional contract in 2010. He spent loan spells at several clubs before being bought by Wolves in 2015.
Wolves have tweeted: “Our hearts break for Benik Afobe and his family following the tragic news of his daughter’s passing this weekend. The Wolves family are with you, Benik.”
The striker, 26, married Lois Smith in 2016 and is currently on loan at Bristol City from Stoke – but was ruled out for the season with a knee injury in September.
In his statement, Afobe says that his daughter passed away with ‘the love of her family by her side’Credit: CameraSport – Getty
Benik Afobe and partner Lois SmithCredit: Facebook
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
