Cote d’Ivoire World Cup star Diomande opens up on sister’s death

Cote d’Ivoire World Cup star, Yan Diomande, has opened up on the tragic death of his younger sister, Roxanne, who died at the age of 15 after allegedly consuming a spiked drink in Abidjan.

The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward, who has been linked with a major move to Liverpool, made the emotional revelation in an open letter to his late sister.

Diomande said the death of Roxanne left him broken and emotionally numb.

“I used to have emotions. Now, I don’t feel anything. Since you died, I’m just blank,” he wrote.

Roxanne died two years ago in Cote d’Ivoire’s capital city, Abidjan, while Diomande was away in the United States, where he had been sent to study and develop his football career.

The young forward said the tragedy changed his life forever, but also gave him a deeper reason to keep fighting for success.

“All I can do is use the pain to work harder, and to do everything we dreamed about,” he said.

“I want you to know that I will make sure that you live on. I will make sure that everybody knows your name. The whole world. Everything I do on a football pitch, it’s for you.”

Diomande has become one of the most exciting young players at the ongoing FIFA World Cup after impressing for Cote d’Ivoire in their opening match against Ecuador.

The winger was one of the standout performers as Cote d’Ivoire began their campaign with a 1-0 victory.

His pace, strength and confidence on the ball have attracted attention from top European clubs, with Liverpool reportedly interested in signing him.

Diomande also enjoyed an impressive season with RB Leipzig in Germany, scoring 12 goals and providing several assists in the Bundesliga.

His rise has been remarkable, considering the hardship he faced while growing up in Abidjan, where his family reportedly lived in a crowded home with many relatives.

Despite the attention surrounding his future, Diomande remains focused on helping Cote d’Ivoire at the World Cup.

He is expected to play a key role when the African side face Germany in their next Group E match.