TRIBUTES have been paid to former Celtic midfielder Landry Nguemo, who has died at the age of 38.
The diminutive all-action midfielder made more than 40 appearances for the Hoops after being brought to the club by Tony Mowbray on a loan deal from Nancy.
But news broke in Cameroon today that he was victim of a traffic accident in his home country, with the Cameroon football federation and former clubs Celtic, Bordeaux and St Etienne all sending heartfelt tributes to the star.
The Cameroon Football Federation said in a statement: “The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has just learned the tragic news of the passing of former Indomitable Lion Landry Nguemo in a traffic accident.
“Nguemo, who was a key player for the Cameroonian national team from 2006 to 2014 and a former member of Girondins de Bordeaux, will be remembered for his contributions to football.
“FECAFOOT extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community.”
Celtic said in a statement: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club is shocked and saddened at the news of Landry Nguemo’s passing at the young age of 38.
“The Cameroonian midfielder joined Celtic on loan from French side Nancy in the summer of 2009.
“He made over 43 appearances for the Celts before returning to his parent club in 2010.
“He was also capped over 40 times for Cameroon throughout the course of his career.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Landry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Former Chelsea and Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto’o simply posted a picture of the pairing, with a solitary word “Triste” – “sad”.
Bordeaux wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The Club was saddened to learn of the death of Landry Nguemo.
“Victim of a traffic accident in Cameroon, the former Bordeaux native died at the age of 38.
“FC Girondins de Bordeaux sends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
St Etienne wrote: “Landry Nguemo has left us. Far too soon, far too abruptly.
“ASSE mourns one of its own. To all his loved ones, we send our most sincere condolences.”
Nguemo was one of a number of fatalities from a road accident near Obala – with local authorities launching an investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident.
He played 42 times for the Cameroon national team, scoring three goals.
The bulk of his professional career was spent in France, where he played for AS Nancy-Lorraine, Bordeaux and St Etienne before winding down his playing days in Turkish football.
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