Tears as Top Manchester United Star Loses Mother After a Long Battle Against Mysterious Illness

- Marta Garcia's tragic death was confirmed by Man United on Monday, March 29

- Garcia, a mother of two, is understood to have succumbed to a long illness

- A number of United stars have since taken to their social media feeds to send Mata messages of love and support

- Mata and his mum are reported to have enjoyed a close bond, with the midfielder revealing they were always in touch on matchdays

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of his mother, Marta Garcia.

Sources reveal she eventually passed away after battling with an unknown illness for several months on Monday, March 29.

The Mirror quoting Spanish news platform La Nueva Espana report that the former Chelsea star was close to his mother when she was alive.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

Mata was absent from United's squad for a number of weeks earlier in the year and United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn't give enough information on the subject other than 'he has been away for a little while.'

The Red Devils have however taken to social media to confirm the unfortunate news, with the Premier League club taking time to pay tribute to Marta, saying:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Juan Mata's mother, Marta Garcia. Thinking of you and your family, Juan."

A number of Mata's Red Devils teammates led by close pal, Bruno Fernandes, have sent the Spaniard comforting messages. Fernandes said:

"Friend, a very strong hug for you and your family."

Ander Herrera and David de Gea are the other players who have also mourned with Mata, with the pair sharing photos with the ex-Chelsea star on their Instagram feeds to show their love and support.

Marta was a mother to only two children - the United midfielder and his sister, Paula. SunSport reports the 32-year-old football star had an incredibly close bond with his mother.

The publication added the two would be in touch each time Mata takes to the field, with the mum sending the footie messages of goodwill. Mata told manutd.com in 2019.

"My mother has always been more worried about my physical wellbeing during a match than the result. That’s why, even now, I always call her when I’m on the coach on the way to the stadium. Always."

Marta's death came amid uncertainty over Mata's future at Old Trafford, with the Spaniard missing from action between early January and mid-February.

At the time, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed his star player had "been away for a little while," but refused to divulge more details.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian football fraternities have been thrown into deep mourning following the death of former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) technical director Kashimawo Laloko.

Laloko who was one of the biggest football administrators in Nigeria was reported to have died on Sunday, March 28, at Sacred Hearts Catholic Hospital, Abeokuta.

According to the report on Premium Times, he will be buried in his Abeokuta house on Monday afternoon, March 29, and top Nigerian Football stakeholders are expected to attend the burial.