Former Ghana striker Junior Agogo dies aged 40
Former Ghana striker Junior Agogo has died today (August 22, 2019) at the age of 40 in London.
Multiple reports indicate that the former Nottingham Forest striker passed away on Thursday morning in London.
Agogo's death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from Ghanaians on social media including the General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana, Tony Baffoe as well as former strike partner and Black Stars General captain Asamoah Gyan.
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Mr Baffoe tweeted: "May his soul rest in perfect peace - rest well Junior Agogo" while Gyan posted: "Gutted.. Thanks for the memories JUNIOR".
Two of his former clubs, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed sadness about his passing.
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Stroke and recovery
Agogo spent two months in the hospital after a stroke on December 8, 2014, only two years after ending his football career. He was subsequently praised for his impressive recovery.
In 2017, Agogo told the BBC Four documentary titled Speechless that he had troubles with speech following the illness which he said left him lacking confidence and socially isolated.
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According to the BBC, two years after his stroke when just 35 years old, Agogo was still visiting the Neuro Rehab Unit of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London's Queen Square.
Criticism
In April this year, Agogo was criticised when a video of him holding a cigarette surfaced online.
Career
The forward began his career with Sheffield Wednesday, playing two games for the then Premier League side between 1997 and 2000.
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He went on to score over 100 career goals, his most notable spell coming with Bristol Rovers, for whom Agogo scored 45 goals in 140 games between 2003 and 2006.
He also helped Nottingham Forest to promotion from League One in 2007/2008, finishing as the club’s top goalscorer as they finished runners-up in the division.
Agogo enjoyed a cult following during his 27-game stint with the Black Stars of Ghana scoring 12 goals.
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Read more reactions below;
May his soul rest in perfect peace -rest well Junior Agogo 🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/cNJZfj7xjp
— Anthony Baffoe (@AnthonyBaffoe) August 22, 2019
Gutted..Thanks for the memories JUNIOR💔💔💔 R.I.P bro pic.twitter.com/4LtQQ5woyf
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) August 22, 2019
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Rest in peace, Junior ❤️
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) August 22, 2019
#NFFC are saddened to learn that former striker Junior Agogo has passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Junior’s family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/0t8wlpnEW1
Sheffield Wednesday are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Junior Agogo.
Our thoughts are with Junior's family and friends at this very difficult time. RIP pic.twitter.com/4AHHSuPw8M— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) August 22, 2019Advertisement
Wow I spoke about agogo a while back hmmmm rip Jnr Agogo #rip #bcsc
— CHASE (@chaseforever) August 22, 2019
The Ghana Football Association is saddened by news of the sudden demise of ex-Ghana star Junior Agogo. On behalf of the Ghanaian football fraternity, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of our Black Star, Junior Agogo. May his soul Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/cRgskOyuC3
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) August 22, 2019