Yann Diomande is in talks with Liverpool over a summer move, but the Ivorian forward has opened up about the shocking loss of his sister Roxanne, who died aged just 15.
Yann Diomand experienced bereavement at a young age
Liverpool’s summer transfer target Yann Diomande has spoken candidly about the heartbreaking death of his sister Roxanne, who passed away at just 15 years old.
19-year-old winger Diomande is one of the hottest young players in European football after an impressive debut season with German club RB Leipzig, and Liverpool are currently in talks to sign the Ivorian star this summer.
Diomande is currently emerging at the World Cup, impressing in his team’s first win against Ecuador, and despite initially struggling to establish himself at a string of professional clubs, he has enjoyed rapid development in recent years.
In an emotional article for the Players’ Tribune, Diomand opened up about the loss of his sister, who played a pivotal role in his early soccer career as he sought to build a professional career in both Europe and the United States.
After unsuccessful trials with Bournemouth, Chelsea, Rangers, Olympiakos and Crystal Palace, as well as failing to attract interest from MLS B teams, Diomande signed for Spanish side Leganes.
However, just weeks after making his debut against Real Madrid, he received shocking news that his sister had died at just 15 years old after her drink was adulterated.
Recalling the tears of joy he shared with Roxane after his debut for Leganes, Diomande wrote: “That was when I had feelings. Now I don’t feel anything. It’s like I’m not even human. Ever since you died, I’ve just been a blur.”
“I don’t think I even cried the day I was told you were gone. I was just in shock.
Yann Diomande was named Man of the Match in the first World Cup match (Image: Joosep Martinson – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
“It was a few weeks after I made my debut with Leganes. Who makes his debut at 18 years old against Real Madrid? It was so crazy. It was a dream. And it was a nightmare. Someone kept calling me from my hometown. It was frustrating. I couldn’t understand why they kept calling me.”
“I picked her up and she didn’t even make it soft. You know what happens when you get home? You don’t feel anything. It’s just… your sister is gone.”
“what?”.
“She died.
“What are you talking about?”.
“Someone put something in her drink at the party and she never woke up. She was gone.
“You were 15 years old. You were 15 years old.
Liverpool want to sign him from RB Leipzig (Image: (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
“I didn’t get any answers. I don’t know if I want to know why. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it’s something that’s happening in our country. Maybe I could have protected you. I don’t know.”
“I try to trust in God’s plan. That’s all I can do. I don’t try to forget, because I know I won’t. All I can do is use the pain to try harder and achieve everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“I wrote this because I can’t talk about it. I wrote this because I want you to know. I’ll make sure you live. I’ll make sure everyone knows your name. The whole world. Everything I do on the football field is for you.”
Diomande will return to action on Saturday in Ivory Coast’s World Cup match against Germany.
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