‘A real genius has left us’: Greats pay their respects to Kobe
Legends from sports fraternity paid their respects to basketball great Kobe Bryant after he, along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others, died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who was introduced to Kobe as a 17-year old by teammate and mentor Ronaldinho, said ‘a real genius has left us’, on his Facebook page.
“I have no words... All of my thoughts are with Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet him and share good times together. A real genius has left us,” Messi wrote.
Bryant had reminisced meeting Messi when the Argentine was just a 17-year old. “Several years ago, Barca came to Los Angeles preseason. I was talking to Ronaldinho, who was a great friend of mine, and he said: 'Kobe, look, I will introduce you to the one who will be the greatest player of all time.' And I said 'How? But if you are the best in the world. ' But he replied: 'No, no. This is going to be the best. ' That boy was Messi, who was only 17 years old,” Bryant had said.
Juventus star forward Cristiano Ronaldo also paid his tributes.
“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on twitter.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Shaquille O'Neal was at a loss to explain his emotions.
“There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW,” Shaquille wrote on twitter along with photos of his memories with Kobe.
"No way!! I have turned pale!! My condolences to his family, friends, the world of basketball and sport in general! RIP Kobe,” former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper wrote on twitter.
Usain Bolt said ‘Still can’t believe @kobebryant’ along with a picture of him with the basketball superstar.
India captain Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram: "Absolutely devastated to hear this news today. So many childhood memories of waking up early and watching this magician doing things on the court that I would be mesmerized by. Life is so unpredictable and fickle. His daughter Gianna passed away too in the crash. Iam absolutely Heartbroken. Rest in peace. Strength and condolences to the family."
A special tribute came from Michael Jordan, one of the greatest-ever athletes of all time. “My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players,” he wrote on twitter.
Andres Iniesta posted a picture of himself holding a Kobe shirt alongside the basketball great. Iniesta captioned the pictures with a message saying: “Terrible. Very sad. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Rest in peace.”
Diego Maradona also posted a picture with a message on his Instagram saying: “They are all good. I also regret the death of his daughter and the crew of the helicopter. See you, legend.”
Ronaldinho posted a beautiful picture of himself and Kobe and wrote: “Rest in peace, my friend”.
Australia’s legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne wrote: “Like everyone, I’m stunned, shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter who died in a helicopter crash. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time.”