FRENCH INTERNATIONAL LASSANA Diarra has announced his cousin was one of the victims of last night’s terror attacks in Paris.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was involved in France’s international friendly against Germany at the Stade de France as the city was the subject of a coordinated terrorism attack.
In a statement released on his social media channels, Diarra revealed his cousin, Asta Diakite, was among the 129 confirmed fatalities, although he didn’t say in which part of the city.
“Good evening. Following the dramatic events yesterday in Paris and Saint-Denis, it is with heavy heart that I rise today,” he wrote.
“As you may have read, I have been personally affected by these attacks. My cousin Asta Diakite, among the victims of one of the shootings that took place yesterday, as well as hundreds of other innocent French people.
“She was for me a guide, a support, a big sister.
“In this climate of terror, it is important for all of us who are representatives of our country and its diversity, to speak and to remain united against a horror that has no color, no religion.
“Defend all the love, respect and peace.
“Thank you all for your testimony and your messages, take care of you and yours, and that our victims rest in peace. #PriezPourLaPaix #FranceUnie. Soon, Lass.”
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Four fatalities were reported outside the Stade de France.
A series of shootings and bomb blasts left football fans afraid to leave the stadium following the game and reports started to emerge of numerous incidents across the city during the match in the suburb of Saint-Denis with one loud explosion clearly audible during the first-half drawing gasps from the crowd.
French president Francois Hollande was in attendance at kick-off but was whisked away by security staff when the severity of the situation became clear.
All sporting events due to be staged in Paris this weekend have been postponed following the horrific attacks in the French capital.
A national state of emergency was declared and Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo announced the closure of public places, including sporting arenas.
