Man United release statement after Atletico Madrid captain’s mother passed away hours before Champions League clash

Heartbreaking news just hours before the match at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Manchester United have released a heartbreaking statement following confirmation that Atletico Madrid captain Koke's mother passed away this morning.

Ahead of their Champions League match against Manchester United on Tuesday evening, Atletico Madrid confirmed the death of Ana Merodio Borja, the mother of first-team captain Koke and of Borja Resurreccion, assistant coach of the under-19 youth team.

The heartbreaking news means that Koke will understandably be absent for the fixture, while players, fans and officials asked to observe a minute's silence before kick-off.

Following the confirmation of the news, United released a statement on social media offering condolences while asking away fans travelling to the Metropolitano Stadium to join in the minute's silence.

It read: "Manchester United is saddened by the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and U19s assistant coach Borja Resurrección.

"We offer our condolences to the family at this difficult time and invite supporters to join the two teams in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off tonight."

In their official club statement, Atletico Madrid confirmed that, alongside the minute of silence on Tueday night, another one would be held ahead of the UEFA Youth League game between the club and United earlier today.

Players are also wearing black armbands to honour Koke's mother, while the flag at the Metropolitano will be flying at half-mast.

"Tonight, before the start of our Champions League match against Manchester United, a minute's silence will be observed in memory of Ana Merodio Borja, mother of our captain, Koke, who passed away this morning in Madrid," Atletico Madrid wrote.

"Our club requested permission from UEFA to observe a minute's silence both during the first team match and the UEFA Youth League game, as well as for the players to wear black armbands.

"The governing body of European football has granted its permission to pay this heartfelt tribute in memory of the mother of our captain and our Juvenil A coach.

"Furthermore, as a sign of respect for her memory, the red and white flag at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is flying at half-mast. Our Juvenil A team observed a respectful minute of silence, wearing black armbands, as did our opponents.

"Atlético de Madrid would like to express our deepest condolences to all his family and friends, and especially to Koke, captain of the first team, and Borja Resurrección, assistant coach of the Juvenil A team. Rest in peace.

Topics: Atletico Madrid, Champions League, Football News, Man Utd

Ben McCrum is a Sports Journalist at SPORTbible, covering Formula One, MMA, football and golf, previously working with TNT Sports and Manchester Evening News, having achieved gold standard in his NCTJ diploma in multimedia Sports Journalism with News Associates. Alongside writing articles, he's busy winning the office Last Man Standing competition and FPL League (finishing 32nd in the world in 2024/25).

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