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“Biri Told Me He Was Sick. We Spoke before He left for Senegal for Treatment,” Ebou Sillah Recounts Six Days after Legend’s Demise

Former Gambian footballer Ebou Sillah has recounted final moments he had with Biri Biri Njie before the legend’s passing last Sunday.

And paying tribute to Gambia’s first international who went on to play for Sevilla, Ebou now based in The Gambia, has only kind words for the late Banjul-born.

Narrating how he ‘d come close to the legend, the erstwhile Scorpions’ captain said he first watched few of Biri’s games at Wallidan before Njie left for Denmark with B-1901.

“I have watched few of his games when I was young while he was playing for Wallidan. Later we got used to each other and he became a dad to me. Even before he went to Senegal, I spoke to him.

“We talked for long and he teased me “you’re the only kid who messes around with me”. He loved this country. He used to get mad when we (Gambia) used to play and things aren’t going right,” Ebou said.

The ex-Anderlecht man said: “He (Biri) told me he was sick. I told him I was going to come over to his residence but he told he was going to Senegal for treatment. On Sunday, I was sleeping and I got several missed calls from Tijan Jaiteh and George Lobba. Then a sister of mine called me asking whether I have gotten the news. I told her what news? she said Well it’s said Biri has passed away. I was shocked and prayed for him and then sat there for five minutes. Biri is one of the best players Gambia has ever had. Gambians do not celebrate their legends. Gambians do not organise special games for their stars or testimonial. They should try to name the stadium after Biri. Any Gambian player who wears a football boot, Biri is your father. That’s the truth.”

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