Elliot Anderson's emotional tribute to his mum after heartbreaking death
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Helen, following her tragic death. The England international was absent from Thursday night's Europa League quarter-final triumph over Porto after the family bereavement.
It proved to be an emotionally charged evening at the City Ground as Forest rallied around their grieving team-mate in a show of solidarity. Before kick-off, the club had confirmed the 23-year-old would play no part in the fixture following his devastating loss.
Vitor Pereira's side went on to win 1-0 to secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition, dedicating their victory to Anderson.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the Forest star wrote: "Mum, You are the most special person I could of ever met. Laughing, smiling and dancing through every day giving us all such joy and happiness.
"You fought so hard for the past year with huge strength and resilience. The determination you shown made me so unbelievably proud.
"I am forever grateful for everything you done for our family. You gave your sons the most amazing life and we were ready to pay it all back.
"All we wanted to do was make you proud. I know you are looking down on us and watching everything we do. We are all together. You are my biggest motivation. Rest in peace mum. Love you so much."
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After scoring the game's only goal, Morgan Gibbs-White held up a shirt with Anderson's name and number. It also carried the message: "Family first. We are all with you."
Gibbs-White struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about Anderson following the final whistle. He said: "Really emotional night. It's a big shame. He's an incredible kid and no one deserves this, but we're all with him."
Head coach Vitor Pereira added: "Very sad situation. Everyone plays with Elliot in their heart.
"The players think about him. My condolences to the family. We are here to help him and we will see if he can play the next game.
"I said to my players in the dressing room, it is an honour for me to be the manager of this group because they have character and quality. Sometimes you have quality but you don't have the team spirit.
"We are fighting for each other. When one of us is suffering, we are there to take care of them. That is why I feel proud of them."