French midfielder Lassana Diarra revealed Saturday on his Twitter account that his cousin, Asta Diakite, was among the 100-plus victims of the terror attacks in Paris on Friday night.
Diarra mentions in his message, which can be read in French below, that Diakite “was like a big sister to me.”
Here’s an English translation of Diarra’s statement, via FOXSports.com:
“Following the dramatic events that took place yesterday at Paris and Saint-Denis, it’s with a infinite sadness that I’m talking today. As you may know, I was personally affected by this attacks. My cousin, Asta Diakite, is one of the victims of one of the attacks that took place yesterday, as were around 100 other innocent French people. She was, for me, a support; a big sister.
“In this atmosphere of terror, it’s very important for all of us who are representing our country and its diversity to talk and stay close together in front of something horrible, which has no color and no religion. Together we have to all protect love, respect and peace. Thanks for your support and your messages. Take care of you and yours and may the victims rest in peace.”
Diarra was playing for France in its international friendly against Germany at the Stade de France when the attacks took place Friday night.
The stadium was one of several sites attacked during the night. One of the attackers had a ticket to the game but was stopped by security at a stadium entrance when an explosive vest was discovered, according to the Wall Street Journal.
More than 120 people were killed and another 300-plus were injured in the attacks, per the AFP.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@lequipe
