Lassana Diarra confirms cousin was killed in Paris terror attacks
France midfielder Lassana Diarra has confirmed his cousin Asta Diakite was a victim of the Paris terror attacks.
Lassana Diarra's cousin was among the victims of Friday's terror attacks in Paris, the France midfielder has confirmed. Diarra played 80 minutes of France's 2-0 friendly win over Germany at the Stade de France and it later emerged that three people were killed following a bomb blast at the Gate J part of the stadium.
This incident was one of a series of attacks that killed 129 people and left 99 more in a critical condition, according to the latest figures released by French officials. In a social media post on Saturday, Diarra announced that his cousin Asta Diakite was killed in the attacks.
The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal player, who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Marseille, called for unity in the face of terror "which has no color and no religion."
Diarra's statement read: "Following the dramatic events that took place yesterday at Paris and Saint-Denis, it's with a infinite sadness that I'm talking today. As you may know, I was personally affected by this attacks. My cousin, Asta Diakite, is one of the victims of one of the attacks that took place yesterday, as were around 100 other innocent French people. She was, for me, a support; a big sister.
"In this atmosphere of terror, it's very important for all of us who are representing our country and its diversity to talk and stay close together in front of something horrible, which has no color and no religion. Together we have to all protect love, respect and peace. Thanks for your support and your messages. Take care of you and yours and may the victims rest in peace."
Diarra's international teammate Antoine Griezmann earlier announced that his sister survived the attack on the Bataclan theater. At least 87 fatalities were reported from the Bataclan, where American rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing when gunmen stormed the venue.
Restaurants and bars in the city's 10th and 11th arrondissement, nearby to the Bataclan, also suffered fatal shooting attacks. It is unclear in which attack Diakite was killed. All sporting events due to be staged in Paris this weekend have been postponed, but the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Tuesday's international friendly with England at Wembley will go ahead as planned.
