Nathan Ake Loses Dad Minutes After Scoring First Champions League Goal
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has revealed that his father passed away minutes after he scored against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Ake put Manchester City in front in the 16th minute, with further goals from Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, Joao Cancelo, Gabriel Jesus and a Nordi Mukiele own goal rendering Christopher Nkunku’s hattrick a mere consolation for the German side as Pep Guardiola’s men won 6-3.
Ake’s goal was his first in the Champions League but his night turned sour when he got to know after the game that his dad had passed on after a battle with illness.
"The past few weeks have been the toughest of my life, my dad has been very ill and there was no more treatment possible," Ake posted on Instagram on Thursday.
"I was lucky to have a lot of support from my fiance, family and friends.
"Yesterday after a difficult time I scored my first Champions League goal, and only a few minutes after he passed away peacefully with my mum and brother by his side. Maybe it was meant to be, watching me play always made him proud and happy.
"I know you're always with me, you will always be in my heart and this one was for you dad."
Ake joined Manchester City for £41m from Bournemouth last summer and made 10 appearances in the top flight as they won the Premier League.
The 26-year-old former Chelsea defender has won 22 caps for the Netherlands national team.
