Sol Bamba: Football world pays tribute to ‘great man’

Football clubs around the world have also paid tribute to Bamba.

Cardiff City, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”.

Leeds United, where Bamba played between 2015 and 2016, said he was “one of the nicest people in football”.

A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing.

“Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.”

Bamba’s wife Chloe made an emotional statement on social media.

“For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism,” she wrote.

“Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August.

“These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.

“Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.

“It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”

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