The whole world is currently mourning the death of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, with tributes flooding in from prominent figures in the public eye.
The football community was no exception, with a number of players electing to mark the passing of the anti-apartheid campaigner and African National Congress leader with posts to social network Twitter.
Read a selection of their tweets below:
Arsenal:
“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. Love this one! Thoughts with his family! Great man! NM!
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) December 5, 2013
Such sad news but what a great man and huge inspiration. RIP Nelson Mandela
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) December 5, 2013
Aston Villa:
Cardiff City:
Sad news from SA. I join the millions of people to thank a father of many and a great leader Nelson Mandela for all the good he has done
— Peter Odemwingie (@OdemwingieP) December 5, 2013
Everton:
Best day ever pic.twitter.com/jzTdZ6KHGp
— Steven Pienaar (@therealstevenpi) July 18, 2013
Chelsea:
RIP Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/BchNng062Y
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela, such an inspiration for the humanity. Will be always remembered. Hero of our days.
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata10) December 5, 2013
Liverpool:
Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela #YNWA pic.twitter.com/IvrIIESdoi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 5, 2013
— Simon Mignolet (@SMignolet) December 5, 2013
Manchester City:
RIP Nelson Mandela. No words to describe the goodness you have brought to this world. Sad to see you go. Inspirational, my only ever hero.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela 1918-2013 pic.twitter.com/bcWsdWTJyc
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) December 5, 2013
A hero is someone who has given his life for something bigger than oneself…The world lost a hero, Africa lost a father…RIP Mandela
— yaya toure (@Toure_yaya42) December 5, 2013
Manchester United:
We are saddened to hear of Nelson Mandela’s death. He was a truly great man. pic.twitter.com/EXLUHaDi7Y
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2013
RIP #NelsonMandela – the real inspiration.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela. An inspirational and incredible man
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) December 5, 2013
An inspiration to all of us. RIP Nelson Mandela. Thank you for everything you have done! pic.twitter.com/XJnb4xG4L0
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) December 6, 2013
Sunderland:
Shoot down and destroy is easy. Heroes are those who build and work for the peace. RIP Mandela
— Carlos Cuellar (@Cuellar24) December 5, 2013
Tottenham Hotspur:
To all of our South African supporters, all around the world, our condolences on the passing of a remarkable man. RIP #Madiba
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 5, 2013
Just heard sad news about Nelson Mandela at premiere of his film. A truly courageous & inspirational man. RIP #Mandela
— Jermain Defoe (@IAmJermainDefoe) December 5, 2013
FC Barcelona:
Rest in peace @NelsonMandela, an example of fight. Descansa en paz Nelson Mandela, un gran ejemplo de lucha. Descansa en pau #Madiba.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 5, 2013
Real Madrid:
Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You”ll always stay with us. pic.twitter.com/IA72uYB6N4
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 5, 2013
Oh, and here’s the final word from QPR midfielder Joey Barton:
World has lost a good egg tonight… #RIPMandela
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) December 5, 2013
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