Newcastle United stars have rallied round former Magpies midfielder Elliot Anderson after he posted a tribute to his mother on social media
Elliot Anderson
Newcastle stars have rallied round Elliot Anderson after the sad death of his mother
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Newcastle United stars have rallied around former Magpies midfielder Elliot Anderson following the sad death of his mother Helen earlier this week. The Nottingham Forest and England international missed the Tricky Trees' Europa League win over Porto on Thursday after the bereavement.
A Forest statement read: "Elliot Anderson is unavailable for tonight’s fixture following the passing of his beloved mother, Helen. Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Elliot and his family following this extremely sad news. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family at this difficult time."
Newcastle United replied to the news: "We’re so sorry to hear this incredibly sad news. Sending all of our love and support to Elliot and his family at such a difficult time."
Anderson then shared an emotional tribute to his mother on Friday afternoon and said: "You are the most special person I could of ever met.
"Laughing, smiling and dancing through every day giving us all such joy and happiness. You fought so hard for the past year with huge strength and resilience.
"The determination you shown made me so unbelievably proud. I am forever grateful for everything you done for our family. You gave your sons the most amazing life and we were ready to pay it all back.
"All we wanted to do was make you proud. I know you are looking down on us and watching everything we do. We are all together. You are my biggest motivation. Rest in peace mum. Love you so much."
Former Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson and ex-Love Island star brother Wil
Elliot Anderson and brother Wil
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United stars paid their respects to Helen, leaving comments on Anderson's social media post.
Magpies Anthony Elanga, who played alongside Anderson at Forest, commented: "Love you myu brother [red loveheart emoji]." As did Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers.
Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Tripper, Lewis Hall and Allan Saint-Maximin all left comments supporting the former Newcastle man and his family.
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Magpies' sporting director, Ross Wilson who played a key role in signing Anderson at Forest, commented with a loveheart emoji and a praying emoji.
Former United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi also left a comment, writing: "Sending you our deepest condolences. May she rest in peace."
Elliot's brother, Will, who appeared on Love Island, commented: "We love you mum [loveheart]."
He also paid his own tribute and said: "You gave everything for our family and we were just ready to return the favour. You fought the toughest fight of them all and not once did it show, bowing out with grace surrounded by your boys.
"You have shown me everything I know. Thank you for everything you have done for this family, none of us would have got this far without you."