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— Adrián San Miguel (@AdriSanMiguel) January 26, 2020
Shocking news about Kobe Bryant. A global sporting legend 🏀 #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/ek2favzEcJ
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) January 26, 2020
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 26, 2020
Heartbreaking 😔💔 My prayers are with their family and friends. 🙏🏾 Legends are forever #RipKobe pic.twitter.com/HHzB2Ea2dq
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) January 26, 2020
Legend forever. #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/uqztgTwsUm
— Pedro Chirivella (@pedrochb97) January 26, 2020
Speechless, heartbreaking! Our thoughts are with the Bryant Family in these horrible times. #MambaForever #Gigi 🙏🏽 https://t.co/3cr8hFCMNa
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) January 26, 2020
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
— Curtis Jones (@curtisjr_10) January 26, 2020
R.I.P. #Kobebryant #GiannaBryant pic.twitter.com/8LXUpwJ8mA
— Alisson Becker (@Alissonbecker) January 26, 2020
Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna.
