Manchester United’s Paul Pogba has spoken of his sorrow after the death of a 17-year-old youth player with Juventus.

Bryan Dodien was diagnosed with cancer at age 12 but was treated and had improved, returning to the field in 2019.

On Saturday, it was announced that he had died.

The saddest of news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your close ones. Losing a loved one is never easy but I’ll never forget you.

Hai lottato tanto, sei stato forte, un esempio per tutti. Ciao piccolo amico mio.

RIP Bryan, you will be missed. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/K5FrBi0In8

Before his move to the Red Devils, Pogba had dedicated a goal to the youth academy player while playing for Juventus during the Turin Derby in 2015, showing off a shirt that said in Italian: “Bryan I am with you.”

He had also congratulated Dodien on social media after the youngster had appeared to beat cancer and returned to play for the Juve under-15 team two years ago.

Pogba tweeted: “The saddest of news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your close ones. Losing a loved one is never easy but I’ll never forget you.

“RIP Bryan, you will be missed.”

In Italian, he also wrote: “You fought a lot, you were strong, an example for everyone. Goodbye my little friend.”

Other senior figures from the footballing world have also expressed their sadness at Dodien’s death.

The Serie A giants posted a message on the social media account of their youth sector saying: “Juventus share Bryan Dodien’s family grief.”

Real Madrid’s president and board of directors expressed their regret and offered their condolences.

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