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Luiz's touching tribute

Colombia plane crash: David Luiz makes touching Instagram tribute to former team-mate who died in Chapecoense disaster

Chelsea defender was youth team player with Arthur Maia, who is among 71 dead on tragic flight

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DAVID LUIZ has posted a heart-rendering tribute to a former team-mate who passed away in the tragic Chapecoense plane crash.

Arthur Maia, who was just 24, was one of the people on board the aircraft which failed to reach Medellin airport after an electrical failure.

Football Soccer Britain - Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 26/11/16 Chelsea's David Luiz Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
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David Luiz posts tribute to Arthur Maia who sadly passed away in plane crashCredit: Reuters

They were due to face Atletico Nacional in the Copa Sudamerica final, and the Colombia side have requested the trophy be given to the Brazilian club.

Who are Chapecoense? What is the Copa Sudamerica?

Luiz and Maia were together as youth team players at Vitoria.

And the Chelsea defender took to Instagram to express his sorry with a lovely message, which read: "Know that one day I had the pleasure to meet you and have you as a little brother.

"Then we lost contact for each one to follow his way and today wake up and know that you are no longer among us.

"With this news that breaks hearts around the world. I can not believe it! May God comfort your family, friends and all the families involved! I keep this image saved as I always had of a pure and dreamy boy! God bless you!! Praying for all! #RIP #ArthurMaia"

 

Fans of Chapecoense soccer team are pictured in front of the Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco, Brazil, November 29, 2016. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker
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Fans gather outside the Chapecoense stadium as they await newsCredit: Reuters
CORRECTS DATE - Police officers and rescue workers search for survivors around the wreckage of a chartered airplane that crashed in La Union, a mountainous area outside Medellin, Colombia, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. The plane was carrying the Brazilian first division soccer club Chapecoense team that was on it's way for a Copa Sudamericana final match against Colombia's Atletico Nacional. (AP Photo/Luis Benavides)
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Sit of tragic plane crash carrying Chapecoense football team to MedellinCredit: AP:Associated Press
Chapecoense star Alan Ruschel shares this selfie before the horror plane crash
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Chapecoense star Alan Ruschel shares this selfie before the horror plane crash
A harrowing picture of Chapecoense team-mates who were left behind has also emerged as they mourn their friends
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A harrowing picture of Chapecoense team-mates who were left behind has also emerged as they mourn their friends
The last picture of Brazil'’s Chapecoense Real football team before the flight
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The last picture of Brazil'’s Chapecoense Real football team before the flightCredit: Twitter
Atletico Nacional were due to play Chapecoense in the equivalent of the Europa League final
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Atletico Nacional were due to play Chapecoense in the equivalent of the Europa League finalCredit: AP:Associated Press

 

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Chapecoense could be awarded the South American Cup after tragic plane crash
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Chapecoense could be awarded the South American Cup after tragic plane crashCredit: Getty Images
Supporters of Chapcoense FC gather in the club's home town of Chapeco to mourn the tragedy
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Supporters of Chapcoense FC gather in the club's home town of Chapeco to mourn the tragedyCredit: EPA
A logo of the Brazilian football team Chapecoense was seen at the crash site
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A logo of the Brazilian football team Chapecoense was seen at the crash siteCredit: Rex Features

Neymar was among the high profile names leading tributes to the tragic crash victims.

While, David De Gea tweeted his grief at the death captain, Cleber Santana — the pair were team-mates at Atletico Madrid.

There are thought to be about five survivors from the 76 passengers on board.

But heroic goalkeeper, Danilo — who was thought to have made it — was later confirmed to have passed away in hospital.

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