Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate breaks down in tears after scoring a late goal against Newcastle United as he rejoins the team following the death of his father.
Ibrahima Konate sheds tears after scoring against Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate was seen crying after scoring the winning goal in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United. The French centre-back lost his father Hamadi last week and made his return to the Reds’ matchday squad tonight.
Konate returned to Liverpool’s starting XI after missing games against Marseille, Bournemouth and Qarabag. He took advantage of Nick Pope’s lack of possession and sealed the victory for the Reds.
After the goal, he was visibly in tears and immediately hugged by his teammates. “I’m certainly very happy, but I don’t have the words to explain how I’m feeling right now because the last two weeks have been a very difficult moment for me and my family, apart from this part of my life,” Konate said in a full-time interview.
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“But I thought I should come back and help the team. It was incredible at Anfield today and that’s what we need until the end of the season.”
Konate was a notable absentee from Liverpool’s Champions League game against Marseille last week. Arne Slott spoke of his “sadness” over why Konate was absent from the 3-0 Ligue 1 win, after which the defender announced that his father had passed away.
“I have spoken to him several times and I think these are private matters that should remain between us,” Slott said.
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“When something like that happens, it’s clear that players need time for themselves as well as for their families.”
The 26-year-old also missed last Saturday’s game against Bournemouth (3-2) and Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Qarabag to stay with his family.
Konate then posted the heartbreaking news and details in an Instagram Story post last Thursday. He wrote: “Thank you so much to everyone for your messages, calls, thoughts and for coming to the mosque today.
“I didn’t have the strength or time to reply to everyone, but this was really touching and a very good thing. Thank you for your support and prayers. May Allah protect you. We belong to Allah and to Him we will return.”
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