[ 2015-01-11 ]

Wolfsburg's Malanda dies in car crash
Wolfsburg's Junior Malanda has died aged 20 in a
car crash in Germany.

The Belgium Under-21 midfielder had made 15
appearances for the German Bundesliga side this
season, including against Everton in the Europa
League.

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs said in a
statement: "We are all deeply saddened and our
disbelief can hardly be put into words.

"We can't believe he is no longer with us. Our
thoughts at this difficult time are with his
family and loved ones."

Allofs added: "He was the good spirit of our team
and a fun-loving person. In addition, Junior was
an excellent football player who was only at the
very beginning of his development."

Malanda was linked to Fulham and Crystal Palace
when he left Zulte Waregem in 2013 but instead
joined Wolfsburg, before going back on loan to the
Belgian side.

His last game was a 2-1 win over Cologne on 20
December.

Wolfsburg police said Malanda was a passenger in a
car that crashed on a motorway near the German
city of Bielefeld.

He was en route to meet up with his team-mates to
fly out to South Africa for a training camp.

Wolfsburg team-mate Kevin de Bruyne tweeted: "So
strange to hear your friend in the morning and
then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too
early. RIP my friend. You will always be around."

Another team-mate, Nicklas Bendtner, said on
Instagram: "Not only a great player, but a great
person. My thoughts and prayers will always be
with you and your family brother. Your kind heart
was rare and special. You will always be
remembered."

Chelsea's Thorgan Hazard, who played with Malanda
at Zulte Waregem, said: "Whyyyyy??? I love you
brooo."

Everton and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said: "I
love you my brother.

"Junior, why you are my brother….my brother, one
of my only and unique friends, I cannot believe
you are not there anymore."

Malanda's fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois, the
Chelsea goalkeeper, said: "RIP @JuniorMalanda!! We
lose a huge talent and a great person!!"

The Royal Belgian Football Association tweeted:
"The world of football has lost a great talent
today. URBSFA sends its condolences to his family
& friends #ripmalanda."

Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Mario Gotze
said: "RIP Junior #Malanda - sooo sad! My thoughts
are with your family and friends...!"

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, Bayern Munich
defender Jerome Boateng, Monaco midfielder
Geoffrey Kondogbia and Paris St-Germain left-back
Lucas Digne ‏were also among the other
players to tweet their condolences.

Source - BBC

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