Willy Braciano Ta Bi, the Ivorian midfielder of Atalanta bids a shocking goodbye after he lost his battle with Liver Cancer. The tragic death of the 21 year-old was announced by the club on Tuesday on social media.
“It’s with great sadness that we announce the painful loss and untimely death of one of your family members, Willy Braciano Ta Bi. Primavera Champion in 2019, he saw his dream come to an end too soon. Goodbye Willy, rest in peace,” Atalanta wrote.
The young forward also played for the Cote d’Ivoire at youth level, but had not played a competitive match since June 14, 2019 for his club as he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after.
“President Antonio Precassi and the whole Atalanta family are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Willy Braciano Ta Bi,” the Serie A club wrote in a statement.
“A cruel destiny interrupted a dream that began with the Nerazzurri shirt in January 2019 too soon.
“He only needed a few months to earn a leading role in the Primavera and help bring the Scudetto back to Bergamo, but above all to leave a great memory.”
Manchester United winger, Amad Diallo spent six years with the Black and Blues before joining Premier League giants Manchester United in January after previously reaching an agreement with the club last summer.
The 18-year-old winger has taken to social media to pay a touching tribute to his former teammate, Ta Bi.
“Rest in peace, Willy Braciano Ta Bi. Forever in our hearts. Now sleep in peace, friend,” Diallo posted on Instagram.
Former Chelsea captain and Cote d’Ivoire legend, Didier Drogba also made it to the social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late youngster.
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