Former Chelsea and Arsenal player reveals his cousin was killed in Paris terror attack

The football ace has spoken of his loss on Twitter

FRENCH footballer Lassana Diarra has spoken of his horror after discovering his cousin was among the 129 who died in the Paris terror attacks last night.

 

The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder was on the pitch at the Stade de France in the national match against Germany when suicide bomb explosions were heard nearby,

He said today: "As you perhaps already read I have been personally affected by these attacks. 

"My cousin Asta Diakitie was among the victims of one of the shootings that took place, just like hundreds of other innocent French people.

"For me she was a great support, a big sister."

 

#PrayForPeace pic.twitter.com/lsOpaSxN62

— Lass Diarra (@Lass_Officiel) November 14, 2015

Together we must protect, love, respect and peace

Diarra

 

Diarra, who also played for Portsmouth before signing for Real Madrid in Spain, called for unity in the face of rising tensions around the killings.

The 30-year-old, who is a practicing Muslim, said: "In the climate of terror it's important for all of us, who are representatives of our country and its diversity, to speak up and stay united in the face of a horror which has neither colour nor religion.



The French international heard the suicide bombs go off near to the ground

"Together we must protect, love, respect and peace. Thank you to everyone for your updates and messages. Take care of you and yours, and may the victims rest in peace."

Lusanne, Switzerland: People around the world are paying respects to the victims in France

"Together we must protect, love, respect and peace. Thank you to everyone for your updates and messages. Take care of you and yours, and may the victims rest in peace."

It is not know where in Paris Diarra's cousin was killed.