The football world has rallied around Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Sarah.
The 26-year-old Nigerian, currently on a season-long loan at Craven Cottage from AC Milan, received an outpouring of support from both his club and country as the sad news emerged.
Fulham and the Nigerian national team both took to social media to express their sympathies to the grieving player.
It is a devastating blow for Chukwueze, whose Instagram profile picture shows him embracing and kissing his smiling mum on the cheek.
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The Super Eagles posted a heartfelt message on social media.
It read: "We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Samuel Chukwueze on the sad loss of his mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time."
Fulham shared the tribute and added their own words: "We are all with you, Chukwu. Sending you and your family our deepest condolences."
Nigeria Football Federation general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi paid a moving tribute.
It's a devastating blow for Chukwueze, whose Instagram profile picture shows him embracing and kissing his smiling mum on the cheek
|He said: "We are aware that Mrs Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze.
"Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother's influence on his professional development.
"We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles' captain, Wilfred Ndidi.
"We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss."
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Fulham and the Nigerian national team both took to social media to express their sympathies to the grieving player
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According to Nigerian outlet Vanguard, the sad news was first shared by Chukwueze's siblings, his sister, Princess, and brother, David, on Thursday morning.
The winger himself has remained silent on social media, where he is followed by more than two million fans.
Chukwueze's journey to English football has been quite remarkable.
Born in southern Nigeria, he made the move to Europe in 2017, joining Villarreal's youth academy after turning down Arsenal.
The winger himself has remained silent on social media
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He went on to net 37 goals across 207 appearances for the Spanish side, lifting the Europa League trophy in 2021 and memorably knocking out Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarters the following year.
A 2023 switch to AC Milan followed before his summer move to Fulham, where he's been in brilliant form lately.
The attacker has registered seven goal involvements in his last seven Premier League outings.
The goals included a brace against Manchester City and the winner in Saturday's victory over Brighton.
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