Yesterday, the news broke that talented Belgian youngster Junior Malanda had died in a car crash.
The 20-year-old, who played for Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, had been tipped to have a big future for both club and country.
As expected, footballers have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the midfielder. Some of these can be viewed below.
"RIP @JuniorMalanda !! We lose a huge talent and a great person!!"
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
"RIP Junior #Malanda - My thoughts are with your family and friends!"
Inter Milan playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri
Rest in peace Junior #Malanda! pic.twitter.com/9jsAjsUHAR
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) January 10, 2015
"Ruhe in Frieden Junior Malanda. Rest in Peace Junior, my thoughts are with the family!"
Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber
"Very sad news about Junior Malanda passing away. #RIPMalanda."
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko
"Rest in peace Junior Malanda. Sad sad news. Gone too soon. Thoughts go out to his family."
Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah
R.I.P Junior #Malanda 🌟🙏😔 pic.twitter.com/s1w1t8LElG
— Klaas Jan Huntelaar (@KJ_Huntelaar) January 10, 2015
"Rest in peace junior malanda. Life sometimes can be really cruel, cherish every moment of it, thoughts go out to his family."
West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino
"Very sad to hear about the passing of Junior Malanda, puts things in perspective!! Prayers go out to his family and friends."
Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford
"Wolfsburg-player Junior Malanda died in a car accident today. Very sad. A player I rated him highly. RIP.
Former Middlesbrough and Norway striker Jan Aage Fjortoft
So sad 😔
R.I.P. Junior Malanda pic.twitter.com/qf2kQrLvke
— Marco Reus (@woodyinho) January 10, 2015
"So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too early. RIP my friend."
Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin de Bruyne
"Our condolences for the family and friends of Junior Malanda, player of @VfLWolfsburg_EN, who has died today. RIP."
Atletico Madrid
"AS Roma joins the football world in mourning the loss of @VfL_Wolfsburg player Junior Malanda. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
AS Roma
All at the club are deeply saddened by the death of Junior Malanda. He was a former team-mate of several Chelsea players. RIP Junior.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 10, 2015
Liam Apicella
