What they said
“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.”
-- Lionel Messi on Facebook
“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.
-- Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter
“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
-- Former US President Barack Obama
“There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my niece Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW”
-- Bryant’s former Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal
“Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete.”
-- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, six-time NBA champion and league’s all-time scoring leader
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this terribly sad time #RIPKobeBryant.”
-- Australian cricket legend Shane Warne
“My biggest sports idol is this man right here. Your work ethic and mentality inspired me so much from as soon i understood what it took to become a pro. You were enjoying your new chapter in your life and to leave us just like that is devastating.. I love you so much! You the goat”
-- Inter Milan’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku on Instagram, with a photo of Bryant
“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.”
-- Basketball legend Michael Jordan on Twitter
“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. I am absolutely heartbroken. Rest in peace. Strength and condolences to the family.”
-- India captain Virat Kohli on Instagram
“Rest in peace, my friend”.
-- Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho on Twitter
“I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsmen in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”
-- Rafael Nadal on Twitter
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