Mali football star and former Barcelona ace, Seydou Keita, has lost the matriarch of the Keita family to the cold hands of death.

Keita’s mother,Ms Awa Doumbia was reported to have passed away on Thursday 10th in Morocco where she was hospitalized.

According to Mali Sport Keita eulogised his mother, whom he described as a great pillar of strength to the entire family.

“The loss of Mum is hard to bear. She is a rock that stood by me and all my siblings. She showed us equal love and affection, and always prayed for each and every one of us.

“Her support and prayers for me right from the beginning of my playing career till the end were invaluable. Her guidance also went a very long way into moulding me into the man I am today. She taught me to love, and to give. I will miss her, but God knows best.

The former Lens and Roma star was a member, and later captain, of the Mali national football team for 6 years from 2007 until 2013.He has been married to wife, Jubaida Johnson for 12 years and the pair has three beautiful children.

Burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.