Ibrahima Konate scored Liverpool's fourth goal in the 4-1 win over Newcastle following his father's recent passing
Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring a goal for Liverpool against Newcastle United
Ibrahima Konate scored for Liverpool against Newcastle(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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Ibrahima Konate was spotted in tears after netting Liverpool's fourth goal in their 4-1 triumph over Newcastle United. The French defender had lost his father Hamady last week and made his return to the Reds' matchday squad this evening.
Konate was back in Liverpool's starting line-up having been absent for the fixtures against Marseille, Bournemouth and Qarabag. He wrapped up the Reds' victory by pouncing on Nick Pope's fumble.
He was clearly emotional after finding the net, immediately consoled by his team-mates. Speaking after the final whistle, Konate said: "For sure I am very happy and I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks but this is part of life.
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"But I thought I should come back and help the team. Anfield was unbelievable today and that's what we need until the end of the season."
Konate was the conspicuous absentee in Liverpool's Champions League encounter with Marseille last week.
Arne Slot expressed his 'sadness' regarding the reason for Konate's absence from the 3-0 victory against the Ligue 1 outfit, with the defender subsequently revealing that his father had died.
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. "
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The 26-year-old also sat out last Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth and Wednesday's 6-0 victory over Qarabag to remain with his family.
Konate then shared the devastating news and details last Thursday in a post on his Instagram story. He penned: "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.
"Thank you for your support and prayers May Allah keep you safe. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."