Players, clubs and officials take to Twitter to express their sorrow at the death of the former South African president, who passed away on Thursday

Footballers from across the world have expressed their sorrow at Nelson Mandela's death at the age of 95 on Thursday. Players, clubs and officials take to Twitter to express their sorrow at the death of the former South African president, who passed away on Thursday

The former South African president witnessed his nation host the first-ever World Cup in Africa in 2010 and his passing will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Friday's group stage draw in Brazil. Below is a selection of messages from players, clubs, coaches and officials from across the globe for Mandela.

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Yaya, Mikel, Enyeama & Emenike in final shortlist for Caf player of the year award

The Confederation of African Football has released the shortlists for the 2013 African Player of the Year with four Nigerian player in the like of  Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa making the cut in the ten-man list that has reigning Africa’s best player Yaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire.

Neymar: I want to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldinho & Rivaldo

        Neymar is keen to emulate compatriots Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Romario at Barcelona and achieve greatness with the Catalans. The former Santos star hopes to reach the same heights as his illustrious compatriots during their time at Camp Nou.

Ronaldo: I think Messi will win Ballon d'Or

Brazil legend Ronaldo has backed Barcelona forward Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or for a fifth straight year. The Brazil legend has backed the Barcelona attacker, despite the fact he is currently the bookies' third-favourite to take home the trophy

Wenger hits out at Ballon d'Or obsession

Arsene Wenger has hit out at football's obsession with the Ballon d'Or and says he does not want anyone to win the game's most prestigious individual prize.The Arsenal boss believes the prize goes against the essence of the sport and tempts players into playing for themselves rather than the team

Ancelotti: I can not sign Messi when I've got Ronaldo?

  

     Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti claims he would turn the down chance to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi because he already has Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid boss says that he would look to strengthening other positions in the squad rather than acquiring the Barcelona star

Conte: Juventus driven to make history

The 44-year-old watched his side produce another determined display and is certain that his players' drive can help lead to success this season Antonio Conte believes it is his team’s desire "to make its mark" that is behind Juventus’s surge to the top of Serie A.

Asari Dokubo released in Benin Rep., flown to Abuja in private jet

Asari Dokubo has been released two days after he was arrested in Benin Republic. The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force was reportedly released early this morning after President Jonathan intervened on his behalf with the President of Benin Republic, Yayi Boni.

Ten-man Madrid hammer Galatasaray

Real Madrid shrugged off Sergio Ramos' first-half red card to secure a thumping 4-1 win over Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spain defender received his marching orders with the scores locked at 0-0 for tugging back Umut Bulut, but Carlo Ancelotti's side soon raced into the lead thanks to a Gareth Bale free kick.
Bulut soon leveled the scores, but Alvaro Arbeloa put the hosts back ahead just after the break, before goals from Angel Di Maria and Isco sealed a resounding victory that clinched top spot in Champions league Group B. Madrid were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, who was nonetheless the centre of attention in the build-up as the fans showed their support for the forward's bid for this year's Ballon d'Or by wearing face masks of the Portuguese superstar. Coach Carlo Ancelotti arested Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata, with Jese Rodriguez selected up front and Casemiro handed his debut in the competition.

Opposite number Roberto Mancini, who was not in charge when the Turkish side were humbled 6-1 in the reverse fixture, left Burak Yilmaz and Wesley Sneijder on the bench. Madrid should have taken the lead inside the opening four minutes when Bale was sent racing clear by Isco, but the Welshman side-footed wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.