EMOTIONAL Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his late father.
Alonso’ dad Marcos Alonso Pena, who also played for Barca, tragically passed away aged 63 following a “long illness” last week.
Ex-Chelsea ace Alonso returned to action exactly a week after his loss and was handed a rare start by manager Xavi in the Europa League play-off encounter against United.
And the versatile defender opened the scoring for the Blaugrana after 50 minutes.
The Spain international latched onto a fantastic cross from Raphinha, who curled it from a corner-kick down the right.
The ex-Leeds star found Alonso who headed it past David de Gea at the far post.
The emotional Spaniard immediately pointed to the sky in dedication to his father during the celebrations.
The Barcelona ace looked emotional as he celebrated the opening goal of the game.
Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for Alonso Pena – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
Ex-Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso. Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
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The former winger’s ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
“He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
“All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
