Jordan Ayew ‘heartbroken’ by death of former Pape Diouf

Ghana and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew is ‘absolutely heartbroken’ by the death of former Marseille President and mentor Pape Diouf.

Pape Diouf, who was president of the French giants between 2005 to 2009 died on Tuesday night after suffering from the coronavirus. He was 68.

“Absolutely heartbroken. Rest in Peace Pape Diouf – My uncle, father, grandfather & godfather. My mentor,” he posted on Twitter after learning of the death of the former journalist.

“I can’t thank you enough for all you did for me, Andre, my father and my family. Today is one of the saddest days of my life to hear of your passing,” he added.

The astute African football executive helped Jordan and his senior brother Ayew settle in France when they were at the Marseille academy.

Diouf was close friend of their father Abedi Pele during his playing days at the French giants Marsielle long before the former journalist became the club’s President.

A former journalist at La Marseillaise in the 1980s, he was a successful football agent from the 1990s, representing top African players like Joseph-Antoine Bell, Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasir, Didier Drogba and many others.

Pape Diouf was appointed CEO of Marseille in 2004 and was voted the President in 2005.

An esteemed leader, he was one of the major players in French football, renowned for his good banter with his Lyon counterpart Jean -Michel Aulas and his classy way of dressing.

After leaving Marseille in 2009, he became a sought-after speaker in sports conferences.