Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has thanked supporters for their support following the death of his father
Ibrahima Konate during a Liverpool game
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has sent a message to supporters following the death of his father.(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate expressed his gratitude after an outpouring of support following the death of his father, Hamady.
The French international was a notable absentee for the Reds as they travelled to southern France to take on Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arne Slot expressed his 'sadness' at the reason for Konate missing the 3-0 win over the Ligue 1 side and, on Thursday, Konate posted news that his father had passed away.
The 26-year-old will miss Saturday's trip to Bournemouth to remain with his family and on Friday night he posted a message to show his appreciation for the support.
Author avatar
Author avatar
He wrote: "Thank you all so much for your messages, calls, thoughts and presence today at the mosque.
"Even though I haven't had the strength or time to reply to everyone, this really touched me and did a lot of good.
*FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page*
"Thank you for your support and prayers May Allah keep you safe.
"To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."
Ibrahima Konate's message on Instagram after his father's funeral
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate's message on Instagram after his father's funeral(Image: Ibrahima Konate/Instagram)
View 2 Images
Konate posted the heartbreaking news and details on Thursday in a post to his Instagram story. He said: "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.
"Janazah (Funeral Prayer) For our father Hamady Konaté will take place on Friday, 23 January, after Jumu’ah prayer at In Sha Allah (12:45 pm).
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'There is no deceased person over whom a group of Muslims numbering one hundred prays, all of them interceding for him, except that their intercession is accepted.'"
Joe Gomez deputised in Konate's absence and is expected to maintain his place alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool are likely to name an unchanged backline from the Champions League win as they endure depleted defensive options.
Slot said: "I spoke to him a few times, and I think these are private matters and they should stay between us.
"It is very obvious that if something like that happens, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself."