France Midfielder Lassana Diarra Loses Cousin In Paris Attacks

French midfielder Lassana Diarra revealed on Twitter on Saturday that his cousin, Asta Diakite, was killed in the terrorist attack in Paris, at the same time he was on the pitch representing France against Germany in an international friendly.

Diarra, 30, on Saturday evening posted an image on Twitter about the sad news that his cousin, Asta Diakite, was one of the victims of the attacks.

#PrayForPeace pic.twitter.com/lsOpaSxN62

— Lass Diarra (@Lass_Officiel) November 14, 2015

The message in the image is in French but when translated to English reads:

“Good evening to everyone. After the dramatic events in Paris and St Denis yesterday it’s with a heavy heart that I address you today.

“As you perhaps already read I have been personally effected by these attacks my cousin Asta Diakitie was among the victims of one of the shootings that took place, just like hundreds of other innocent French people.

“For me she was a great support, a big sister.

“In the climate of terror it’s important for all of us, who are representatives of our country and its diversity, to speak up and stay united in the face of a horror which has neither colour nor religion.

“Together we must protect, love, respect and peace. Thank you to everyone for your updates and messages. Take care of you and yours, and may the victims rest in peace.”

129 people have been reported dead and further wounded in Friday’s attacks, and it has been confirmed that there were two suicide attacks and one bombing near the Stade de France stadium that killed three people.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann also revealed on Saturday that his sister had escaped safely from a rock concert at the Bataclan Theatre, where about 80 people were killed.

Marseille midfielder Diarra and Griezmann were both involved in Friday’s friendly, starting the game but were both substituted with Morgan Schneiderlin and Hatem Ben Arfa.

France eventually won the game 2:0 thanks to goals by Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac.