Liverpool FC players joined the sporting world in paying tribute to US basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter clash on Sunday.
The 41-year-old and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people who were killed in the tragic accident in the city of Calabasas, California.
The private helicopter is believed to have lost altitude and burst into flames, with the LA county sheriff confirming nobody on board had survived the crash.
Bryant, who won the NBA five times in a glistening 20-year career with the LA Lakers, was widely considered one of basketball’s greatest players and one of the most iconic sportsmen around the world.
The saddening news has been met by swathes of tributes from celebrities, sportsmen and politicians from all around the globe, with many from Liverpool’s squad also sending their condolences.
The club’s official Twitter account carried the message: “RIP Kobe Bryant 1978-2020. Sports icon.”
Rest In Peace Kobe.
Your legacy will be eternal.#RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/0LycDOLFxH
Shocking news about Kobe Bryant. A global sporting legend 🏀 #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/ek2favzEcJ
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.
Heartbreaking 😔💔 My prayers are with their family and friends. 🙏🏾 Legends are forever #RipKobe pic.twitter.com/HHzB2Ea2dq
Legend forever. #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/uqztgTwsUm
Speechless, heartbreaking! Our thoughts are with the Bryant Family in these horrible times. #MambaForever #Gigi 🙏🏽 https://t.co/3cr8hFCMNa
We have lost a real sports icon😢🙏. R.I.P to Kobe Bryant and his beautiful daughter Gianna. I send my condolences to their family and friends!! #kobebryant24 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8wtU3sqhKb
Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna.
