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Diop made 63 appearances for his nation with the spotlight of his worldwide profession coming on the 2002 World Cup the place he scored the primary purpose of the event as Senegal surprised reigning champion France 1-0.
He went on to attain two extra targets within the competitors as Senegal reached the quarterfinals.
On Sunday, FIFA mentioned it was “saddened” to listen to of his passing.
Diop began his membership profession in Senegal earlier than enjoying for groups in Switzerland and France.
A lot of his profession was spent in England although, the place he represented each Fulham and Portsmouth within the English Premier League.
Nicknamed “The Wardrobe” — Diop was six-foot-five — he gained the FA Cup throughout his time at Portsmouth and the membership paid tribute to the versatile midfielder.
‘Eternally in our hearts’
After a quick spell at AEK Athens, Diop returned to London to play for West Ham earlier than ending his profession at Birmingham Metropolis seven years in the past.
“It’s with a wounded coronary heart that we have heard of your passing. Know that you’ll stay without end in our hearts despite the fact that you left with out saying goodbye. RIP,” he mentioned.
Citing unnamed sources, ESPN reported that Diop had been identified with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s illness or motor neurone illness.
Contributed reporting from Martin Goillandeau.
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