Football world pays tribute to former Portsmouth, Fulham and West Ham favourite Papa Bouba Diop

The football world has been paying tribute to former Pompey midfielder Papa Bouba Diop following news that the 42 year-old has died following a long illness.
Papa Bouba Diop celebrates Pompey's 2008 FA Cup win with team-mate David NugentPapa Bouba Diop celebrates Pompey's 2008 FA Cup win with team-mate David Nugent
Papa Bouba Diop celebrates Pompey's 2008 FA Cup win with team-mate David Nugent

The towering Senegal ace, who was affectionately known as ‘The Wardrobe’, played 72 times for the Blues between 2007 and 2010.

Signed by Harry Redknapp from Fulham for £3.5m, Diop was part of Pompey’s 2008 FA Cup-winning side, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 victory over Cardiff at Wembley.

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He started the famous 2-2 draw with AC Milan at Fratton Park in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup.

Meanwhile, the midfielder also featured in the 2010 Cup final against Chelsea, playing 81 minutes in the 1-0 defeat before being replaced by Kanu.

That proved to be his last game with the star and crescent on his chest, with Diop signing for AEK Athens, before later joining West Ham and Birmingham, where he finished his career in 2013.

Among those to pay tribute have been Pompey, who posted on Twitter: ‘We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42. Rest in peace, The Wardrobe. #Pompey.’

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The club added on their official website: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Portsmouth Football Club are with Papa’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.’

Former Blues team-mate, Ricardo Rocha also left a message on Twitter. He simply said: ‘Rest in Peace big man!’

David James – a teammate throughout Diop’s Fratton Park stay and a fellow FA Cup winner – tweeted: ‘Such sad news, one of the friendliest, lovely people I've ever had the pleasure to play football alongside.’

Ex-Blues midfielder Chris Kamara said: ‘Devastated to have just read the news that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away.

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‘Didn’t know he’d been ill and, at 42 years of age, he’s been taken too young.

‘We used to have a good chuckle together about me calling him “The Man Mountain Himself” RIP Papa.’

Life-long Pompey fan Conor Chaplin tweeted ‘RIP’ accompanied by a prayer emoji.

Meanwhile, Gary Linekar joined the likes of Fulham, West Ham and the Birmingham official t]Twitter accounts by saying: ‘How terribly sad. Taken so young. RIP Papa Bouba Diop.’

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Among the tributes on social media were posts from devasted Pompey fans.

Bob Beech tweeted: ‘So very sad about Papa Bouba Diop an under appreciated Pompey player from that era, I can never see him without hearing the terrible " Boopa Dop" mispronunciation of his name throughout the 2008 FA Cup final commentary by John Motson.’

Colin Farmery said: ‘This is terribly sad news. He’s been taken from us far too young. Genuinely shocked.’

‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop, “the wardrobe”. A key member of our FA Cup winning squad.

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Our condolences go out to his family and friends,’ added the Pompey Trust.

Meanwhile, Pompey Pedro said: ‘The most underrated player of the the most successful period in Pompey’s modern history.

‘An absolute unit of a player, and more skilful that he was ever given credit for.

‘Rest in Peace Papa Bouba Diop and thanks for the memories.’

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The News’ Neil Allen wrote: ‘Awful news. “The Wardrobe” appeared in two FA Cup finals for #Pompey. A gentle giant.’

Jordan Cross added: ‘Incredibly sad news. When Paul Scholes names you as one of his toughest opponents you know you’re a player. RIP Papa Bouba Diop.’

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