Following Sunday's tragic news of the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Man City defender Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed that he chose his squad number in his honour.
LA Lakers legend Bryant, who is widely regarded as one of the best NBA players of all time, died in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others in California.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from around the world with countless football clubs and players paying tribute to the sporting icon.
Adarabioyo, who is on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, has revealed that Bryant has been an inspiration throughout his life and he chose the No.24 jersey, which Bryant made iconic after switching from the No.8 at the Lakers, because of him.
"This man was the definition of a winner and someone I looked up to for inspiration throughout my life," Adarabioyo tweeted.
"The reason I wear 24 on the back of my shirt is because of him. Kobe, your legacy will live on forever!
"Still can’t believe we’ve lost Kobe and his daughter... My deepest condolences go out to all the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy."
Adarabioyo wasn't the only City player to pay tribute, with Kevin De Bruyne, Nicolas Otamendi, David Silva and Raheem Sterling all paying their respects on social media as well.
