Amad Diallo’s goal celebration was a tribute to former Atalanta teammate

Amad paid a personal tribute to his former teammate after scoring his first United goal

Amad Diallo marked his first Manchester United goal by paying tribute to late former Atalanta teammate, Willy Braciano Ta Bi. On as a half-time substitute, Amad opened the scoring with a well-taken header as United hosted AC Milan in the Europa League last-clash last Thursday. As pointed out by United's official media, his choice of celebration was actually a nod to Willy, who died at the age of 21 last month after suffering with liver cancer. A fellow Ivorian, Amad befriended the midfielder during their time together in Atalanta's academy system.

A post on Amad's Instragram story said: "Rest In Peace Willy Braciano Ta Bi. Forever in our hearts."

This was followed by an image of the pair together. Atalanta confirmed the midfielder's passing in a statement on February 23.

"President Antonio Precassi and the whole Atalanta family are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Willy Braciano Ta Bi," it said. "A cruel destiny interrupted a dream that began with the Nerazzurri shirt in January 2019 too soon. "He only needed a few months to carve out a leading role in the Primavera and help bring the Scudetto back to Bergamo, but above all to leave a great memory."

United play their return leg against Milan later this week. Having conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the tie at Old Trafford, United must score at least one in Italy if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition for the second season in succession.

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