Man United shares message after Atletico Madrid captain’s mom passes away just before Champions League game
Manchester United shared a heartfelt message after hearing the sad news that Atletico Madrid captain Koke’s mother passed away this morning.
Before their Champions League match against Manchester United on Tuesday evening, Atletico Madrid confirmed that Ana Merodio Borja, Koke’s mother and the mother of Borja Resurrección, the under-19 team’s assistant coach, had died.
Because of this, Koke won’t be playing in the match, and both teams, along with fans and officials, will observe a minute’s silence before the game starts.
After this news came out, Manchester United posted a message on social media offering their sympathy and invited away fans to join in the minute’s silence at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Their message said: “Manchester United is very sorry to hear about the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and U19 assistant coach Borja Resurrección. We send our condolences to the family during this hard time and invite everyone to join the minute’s silence before kickoff tonight.”
Atletico Madrid also shared an official statement saying there will be a minute’s silence before both the youth game earlier today and the main match tonight. Players will wear black armbands, and the club’s flag at the Metropolitano will be flying at half-mast to honor her memory.
They wrote: “Tonight, before our Champions League match against Manchester United, we will hold a minute’s silence to remember Ana Merodio Borja, mother of our captain Koke, who passed away this morning in Madrid. We asked UEFA for permission to hold this tribute during both the first team and Youth League games, and also for the players to wear black armbands. UEFA kindly agreed. The red and white flag at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is flying at half-mast as a sign of respect. Our Juvenil A team and our opponents also observed a minute’s silence wearing black armbands.
Atlético de Madrid sends deepest condolences to their family and friends, especially to Koke and Borja Resurrección. May she rest in peace.”