Former Torino star found dead in his car aged 39

Akeem Omolade was found in his car on Monday

Former Torino striker Akeem Omolade has died at the age of 39 after he was found dead in his car on Monday by Italian emergency services. The Nigerian played for the Turin-based side between 2001-03, making five appearances in total while also representing a number of other lower-league Italian clubs before retiring  in 2017.

His former club paid tribute to him in an emotional statement

Torino paid tribute to him in a statement which said: "President Urbano Cairo and all of Torino Football Club sincerely share in the Omolade family's grief at the passing of our former player Akeem Omolade. "Signed from Treviso, he first played in our youth side and then for the first team, making his Serie A debut against Inter Milan on February 2, 2003. "The entire Torino family sends its deepest sympathies to his loved ones, his parents and his many friends." https://twitter.com/TorinoFC_1906/status/1536389048679505926 Italian emergency services were called on Monday to find Omolade in a Peugeot in the city of Palermo, where he was found to be unresponsive. Initial examinations had come back showing no sign of any obvious external injuries but Omolade's family had previously said he had complained of feeling pain in his legs just days before his death.

Omolade fought against racism while at lower league side Treviso

Omolade was prominent in fighting against racism during his time at Treviso as a youngster after he was targeted by a section of the club's ultras. After his signing in 2001, 30 ultras withdrew their banners and left the stadium as they protested his signing due to the colour of skin. Rest in peace. Related links:

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