Seb Bassong’s touching tribute to Patrick Ekeng

Norwich City centre-back Seb Bassong has sought to put the Canaries’ Premier League struggles into perspective by paying tribute to Cameroon international team mate Patrick Ekeng, who collapsed on the pitch in a Romanian league game recently and later died.

I woke up this morning after yesterday's defeat and I couldn't afford to beat myself up or feel… https://www.instagram.com/

The 26-year-old Dinamo Bucharest and Cameroon midfielder suffered a suspected heart attack in the 70th minute of a televised Romanian league match between Dinamo and Viitorul before he was pronounced dead in hospital two hours later.

Bassong used his Instagram account on Sunday morning to post a picture of Ekeng and a message. The City defender featured in Norwich’s 1-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on Saturday, which pushed his club closer to relegation. Juan Mata struck the winner after Wayne Rooney had capitalised on Bassong’s failure to cut out Antonio Valencia’s pass.

“I woke up this morning after yesterday’s defeat and I couldn’t afford to beat myself up or feel sad because football is nothing compare to a human being life..we should all be greatful and realise how lucky we are to be still alive healthy and in good shape..may the almighty God provides you a peaceful rest up there my friend surrounded by all the angels..” #rip #team237?? #onefamilyonelove

The Cameroonian FA confirmed Ekeng’s death via Twitter on Friday. In 2003, Cameroon international midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe died after collapsing during a Confederations Cup match against Colombia in France.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “At moments like this, words seem insufficient. Messages I’ve read online from teammates, his club in Romania, and former teams, show just how highly Patrick was regarded.”