Such sad news but what a great man and huge inspiration. RIP Nelson Mandela
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey)
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R.I.P Nelson Mandela, such an inspiration for the humanity. Will be always remembered. Hero of our days.
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata10)
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@themichaelowen
RIP Nelson Mandela. A tweet could never do justice to the greatness of the man.
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Ruud Gullit: @GullitR
It’s a great loss of a great man. I am so proud that I had some moments with you. Thank you Madiba
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Gary Lineker : @GaryLineker
The greatest man on the planet has died. RIP Nelson Mandela.
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Xabi Alonso : @XabiAlonso
RIP Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela (1918-2013).
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Former South African footballer Lucas Radebe, who Mandela once called his hero, wrote: “I know children were at the heart of your philanthropic vision and I promise to continue working in your image to motivate, help and galvanize South Africa’s next generation. Part of your legacy is that so many of us are stirred to carry the torch.
“The sports history books in South Africa will show statistics and victories. What they won’t show, however, was that it was Madiba Magic that forged those results and performances; and united a country and its people along the way. No doubt, that Madiba Magic will live on. Thank you Tata.”
“When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was ‘a dream come true’.
“Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us.”
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English FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “Nelson Mandela had that amazing ability to live through real injustice.
“He was one of the greatest men of any generation. Partly because of what he achieved but more so for his ability to forgive.”
In 2003 a delegation of England players – including David Beckham, Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand – went to meet Nelson Mandela, prior to playing in Durban.
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David Beckham, the former England captain who was pictured with Mandela in 2003, wrote: “My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela’s family. We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being.
“It was truly an honor to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people. Rest in peace.”
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Former South African footballer Lucas Radebe, who Mandela once called his hero, wrote: “I know children were at the heart of your philanthropic vision and I promise to continue working in your image to motivate, help and galvanize South Africa’s next generation. Part of your legacy is that so many of us are stirred to carry the torch.
“The sports history books in South Africa will show statistics and victories. What they won’t show, however, was that it was Madiba Magic that forged those results and performances; and united a country and its people along the way. No doubt, that Madiba Magic will live on. Thank you Tata.”
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“His encouragement to our players on the field of play will forever be etched in our collective memories” – Dr. Danny Jordaan
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“My respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time: Nelson Mandela” – Joseph S Blatter
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“R.I.P Nelson Mandela, you have been a role model to the world. My most sincere condolences to family and friends” – Rafael Nadal
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“Thank you Madiba for your legacy and your example. You”ll always stay with us” – Cristiano Ronaldo
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Serena Williams:
Nelson Mandela led one if the most impactful lives of our time. Meeting him helped me to understand life is full of ups and downs. But how you recover from the downs and how you can help people no matter what race or background by your choices and decisions. One life – Nelson Mandela’s life changed many. May his legacy live forever. Rev 21:4
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RT @FA: The Football Association is sad to hear about the death of Nelson Mandela. May he rest in peace.
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Joe Barton: Great to see all South Africans celebrating the life of Mandela on the news. Very sad he has passed. But he leaves such a positive legacy.
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RVP: An inspiration to all of us. RIP Nelson Mandela. Thank you for everything you have done!
“One of the greatest human beings ever. May your soul rest in peace..The worlds greatest fighter” – Usain Bolt
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Osaze Odemwingie: @OdemwingieP
Sad news from SA. I join the millions of people to thank a father of many and a great leader Nelson Mandela for all the good he has done