Sol Bamba's ex-manager Neil Warnock 'heartbroken' in emotional statement on tragic death
Former Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock worked closely with Sol Bamba at Cardiff and Middlesbrough and has paid tribute after the ex-footballer's death aged just 39
Neil Warnock admitted to being heartbroken following the death of former Cardiff City star Sol Bamba.
Bamba, an Ivorian international, died aged just 39. He was a popular figure with Warnock's Cardiff team as they won promotion to the Premier League in 2018, and later played under the manager at Middlesbrough.
"I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again," Warnock wrote on social media. "I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.
"I’m heartbroken for [Bamba's wife] Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them. Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much."
Bamba played his club football in a number of countries before moving to the Welsh capital, but his Cardiff spell was one of the most memorable of his career. He helped the side finish second in the Championship in the 2017-18 season, and almost helped them preserve their Premier League status.
A number of former clubs have paid their own tributes, among them Cardiff. Leeds United and Leicester City have also shared messages, with Sven-Goran Eriksson - Bamba's manager at Leicester - having died just days earlier.
"We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39," thr Foxes' statement read. "Sol, a popular figure during his brief but memorable stay in Leicester, made 55 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four goals. Our thoughts are with Sol’s friends and family at this sad time."
Share your tributes to Sol Bamba in the comments section
A number of fans shared their own memories of Bamba in response to Warnock's tribute. "Sorry for your loss Neil we know what he meant to you," one wrote.
"This must be so hard for you Neil as I remember Sol playing a huge part for you at Cardiff in the Premier League," wrote a second. "Love you Neil, both legends of the club and we’ll be forever grateful to have had you both," was the response from a Cardiff fan - one of a number of Bluebirds supporters with fond memories of that period.
"You were an amazing team," another said. "I’m sure I speak for many a Cardiff fan when I say you both gave us some amazing memories that will be cherished forever. We all knew how close you were. So sorry for your loss."
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