French international footballer Lassana Diarra reveals his cousin died in Paris terror attack

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra revealed on Saturday, 14 November, that his cousin Asta Diakite was killed in the terror attack in Paris a day earlier.

Marseille midfielder Diarra, who was playing for the French national team in an international friendly against Germany at the Stade de France in Paris at the time of the attacks, released a statement on micro-blogging site Twitter, confirming speculation earlier in the day that one of the victims may have been a relative of his.

Following the news of his cousin's death, messages of support poured in for Diarra from fans and fellow professionals. A total of 129 people have been confirmed dead from Friday's attacks in Paris.

Here is Diarra's statement in full:

Good evening,

Following the dramatic events that occurred yesterday in Paris and Saint Denis, it is with a heavy heart that I awake today.

As you may have read, I have been personally affected by these attacks. My cousin Asta Diakite was among the victims of one of the shootings that took place yesterday, as were hundreds of other innocent French people.

She was like an older sister and support to me. In this climate of terror, it is important for all of us, who represent our country and its diversity, to speak out and remain united against a horror that has no colour, no religion.

Defending all love, respect and peace. Thank you all for your condolences and messages, take care of you and yours, and may our victims rest in peace.

#PrayForPeace #FranceUnity

See you soon, Lass.

#PrayForPeace pic.twitter.com/lsOpaSxN62

- Lass Diarra (@Lass_Officiel) November 14, 2015