Mario Lemina breaks his silence on his father’s death after team-mates paid tribute to the heartbroken star, who says he’s been left with a ‘huge void’

Mario Lemina has paid tribute to his father following his passing in December.

The Wolves midfielder missed his side’s last two Premier League matches following the death on December 29, with Wolves breaking the news on social media prior to the match with Everton.

Lemina’s team-mates then paid tribute to the 30-year-old during the game, which they won 3-0, holding up a home shirt with his name and number on the back.

The midfielder had missed the game after travelling to France in order to be with his family.

He has now broken his silence over two weeks on, and thanked those around him for support as he paid tribute to his father. 

Wolves player honoured the midfielder during their win over Everton in the Premier League at the end of December

Lemina had travelled to France to be with his family following Wolves’ game against Brentford on December 27

‘Deeply saddened by the irreparable loss of my father,’ the Wolves midfielder posted on X, formerly Twitter. ‘The memories of his immeasurable love and unwavering support resonate in every corner of my life, both on and off the pitch.

‘His departure leaves a huge void in our lives. May his soul find eternal peace.

‘I am deeply touched by the avalanche of messages of support that you have kindly sent to me and my family at this painful time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your concern and comfort.’

Lemina had dedicated his goal during Wolves’ 2-1 victory against Chelsea on Christmas Eve to his dad, and said after the game that his father who had been in hospital.

‘By the way I wanted to pass a message to my dad. He is in hospital, for two months now,’ he said to Sky Sports after the match.

‘He is struggling a lot and my family are around him now. I wanted to be with him, but I need to do my work.

‘Dad – Keep pushing! We are all together.’

Lemina had dedicated his goal against Chelsea on Christmas Eve to his father, who was ill in hospital

Writing on X, the club revealed the news, writing: ‘Our hearts go out to Mario Lemina after the passing of his father yesterday morning.

‘The whole pack send their love and sympathy to Mario and his family. Mario’s teammates will wear black armbands today in honour of his father’s memory.’