Ajax pays tribute to former player Yakubu Abubakar

Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam have released a statement paying tribute to their former player, Yakubu Abubakar who passed away on Tuesday in his native Ghana.

The midfielder passed on after battling with illness. He died aged 35 at the Tema General Hospital.

Yakubu Abubakar spent a decade at the club before crossing carpet to fellow eredivise side Vitesse Arnhem. Yakubu made 89 appearances in total for Ajax, and helping the Armsterdam side to two national championships in 2002 and 2004 and the 2002 edition of the Dutch Cup.

His death came as a shock to many with the club releasing a statement to sympathize with his family and friends.

A statement by the Club reads:

Abubakari Yakubu was a beloved Ajacied. The African was a popular player in the field and in the dressing room between 1999 and 2005.

Former team-mate John Heitinga and Richard Witschge hugely warm memories of the man who died on Tuesday at the age of 35.

Yakubu played 89 official duels as Ajacied.

The news about the ex-Ajax’s premature death left Heitationa and Witschge untouched. The real reality must be accepted. But it’s not easy for the 2 Ajax-savers.