TRIBUTES PAID TO ECUADORIAN GOALKEEPER JUSTIN CORNEJO, 20, AFTER THE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL DIES AFTER HITTING HIS HEAD IN A FALL

Cornejo had been hospitalised on Sunday after suffering a blow to the head
Team-mates have paid tribute to the young goalkeeper in social media posts
The Ecuador Football Federation expressed its condolences to Cornejo's family

Tributes have been paid by team-mates of young Ecuadorian goalkeeper Justin Cornejo, who has died at the age of 20.

Cornejo had been hospitalised on Sunday after suffering a blow to the head in a fall.

Reports in Ecuador stated that the blow had resulted in 'brain death'.

Cornejo had played for the Ecuadorian team Barcelona SC, where the 20-year-old had been their third choice goalkeeper.

Barcelona SC team-mates were filmed arriving at the hospital on social media.

The club, who played in the top division of Ecuadorian football, have been yet to comment publicly on Cornejo's death but several team-mates posted tributes confirming the news.

‘Rest in peace, little brother,' wrote team-mate Dylan Luque.

'It hurts us to say goodbye but we find comfort in the wonderful moments we shared with you, you were and always will be an excellent person, friend and more than a friend, a brother.

‘I say goodbye to you with love, waiting for the day we meet again. Today heaven gains a star and although we will miss you here on earth, we know that you will be watching over us from above.’

‘I still can't get over it. Rest in peace, friend,’ added Allen Obando.

Jordan Moran, another team-mate, wrote 'My brother, rest in peace. May Jesus have you in his glory. I love you very much.'

Luis Gomez, a coach of the club’s under-17 team, shared a photo of the goalkeeper with the caption ‘See you later, captain.’

The Ecuador Football Federation also paid a tribute to Cornejo, who had represented the nation at youth level.

'The Ecuador Football Federation laments the death of Justin Orlando Cornejo Mendoza, goalkeeper of Barcelona Sporting Club,' a statement read.

'Our heartfelt condolences to his distinguished family, friends and members of his club. Rest in peace.'

2024-07-16T07:39:41Z dg43tfdfdgfd