Neil Warnock hails 'brilliant' Sol Bamba in heartfelt tribute to Premier League star
Neil Warnock has paid tribute to ex-Premier League star Sol Bamba with a heartbreaking message - following the news of Ivorian's passing aged just 39
A heartbroken Neil Warnock has paid tribute to Sol Bamba.
Bamba, 39, passed away on Saturday evening after falling ill in Turkey. The Ivorian, who held a role at Adanaspor was taken to nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead hours later.
Adanaspor shared the news on social media: "Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, he was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there.
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"Our condolences to his family and our community," tributes have since poured in from across the footballing world. Including from his former boss at Cardiff City, Warnock said: "I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.
"I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together. I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them. Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much."
Cardiff themselves added: "It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of Club legend, Sol Bamba.
"As a player and coach, Sol's impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol."
Bamba turned out for Cardiff between 2016 and 2021, including a three year spell under Warnock, where he won promotion with the Welsh club in 2018. He would return to Wales in 2023, where he spent five months as their assistant manager.
The Ivorian also turned out for Leicester, Leeds and Middlesbrough on these shores before hanging up his boots in 2022.