Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has taken to social media to pay tribute to New Zealand Rugby legend Jonah Lomu
The Sporting world is in mourning after the sudden and shocking death of Rugby icon Jonah Lomu, aged just 40. The legend of New Zealand rugby was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disease back in 1995. His battle with kidney disease lead him to a transplant in the summer of 2004. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, though there are reports it was Liver failure.
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His death has come as a shock to the world, considering Lomu was just in the United Kingdom over the weekend, in addition to having heavy broadcasting duties over the course of the Rugby World cup last month. Many have paid tribute to the man whose name is synonymous with rugby.
Gerrard made an appearance alongside Lomu on the Clare Balding show, a night where the former Rugby player revealed his love for Liverpool and how he bragged about meeting Gerrard to his kids in New Zealand. Liverpool’s famous number 8 took to Instagram to voice his sadness at the passing of Lomu.
"“I was lucky enough to meet this legend in person , a sporting icon who will be sadly missed. A very interesting man who inspired people all over the world . RIP Jonah Lomu”"
This is truly a sad day for the world of sport, and many people around the globe were quick to pay tribute to the late and great, Jonah Lomu.
Can't help but think where our game would be had @JONAHTALILOMU not burst on to the scene with professionalism in 1995!!! #thanks #RIPJonah
— Alun-Wyn Jones (@AlunWynJones) November 18, 2015
Sorry to hear about death of #JonahLomu - not my sport but he was so scary and so good everyone knew all about him!
— Jimmy Bullard (@jimmybullard) November 18, 2015
Liverpool FC are saddened to hear about the passing of @AllBlacks legend, and Reds fan Jonah Lomu. YNWA. pic.twitter.com/XL4RAO2iqa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 18, 2015
Jonah #Lomu was for rugby, what Maradona was for football. Goodbye legend you'll never be forgotten. @AllBlacks
— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) November 18, 2015
RIP Jonah Lomu. Never forgot his awesome display against England. My earliest rugby memory. Legend.
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) November 18, 2015
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Here’s a clip from the
that featured Lomu and Gerrard. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans all over the world.
H/T