Ibrahima Konate breaks down in tears as Liverpool defeat Newcastle

Ibrahima Konate was seen in tears after scoring Liverpool’s final goal in their 4–1 win over Newcastle United

In what was a devastating news for football lovers, Konate lost his father Hamady last week, and returned to the Reds’ matchday squad tonight after missing the games against Marseille, Bournemouth and Qarabag.

He sealed the Reds’ victory by capitalising on Nick Pope’s failure to hold the ball. After scoring, Konate was visibly in tears, embraced immediately by his teammates.

Speaking at full-time, Konate said: “For sure I am very happy and I don’t have words to describe what I fee right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks but this part of life.

 Ibrahima Konate celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal against Newcastle United. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“I’m very happy. I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now. It’s been a difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks. I saw the team we had, I saw some injured players. The manager said I could take my time, I didn’t need to rush to come back.

“But I thought I should come back and help the team. Anfield was unbelievable today and that’s what we need until the end of the season.”

Konate was the notable absence in Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Marseille on Wednesday. Arne Slot spoke of his ‘sadness’ over the reason behind Konate’s absence from the 3–0 win against the Ligue 1 side, and on Thursday the defender announced that his father had passed away.

Slot said: “I spoke to him a few times, and I think these are private matters and they should stay between us.

“It is very obvious that if something like that happens, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself.”