Former Ghana striker Manuel Junior Agogo has died at age 40, after battling illness over the past four years.
According to reports, he passed away in London on Thursday morning.
The exact cause of his demise remains unknown but Agogo suffered a devastating stroke in 2015 and had been battling recovery.
“I was running with my dog. I was coming back home. I was near the Marriott Hotel and the stroke happened.
“When I woke up I was in hospital with my mum. I couldn’t speak. I was in a bad way.
“I had thoughts, but I was like where is my voice. I was baffled, man,” Agogo said in a BBC interview about his illness in 2017.
The once burly striker became a toast of Ghanaians with his star performances for the Black Stars in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. He netted 12 times in 27 appearances in the Ghana colours.
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
Agogo enjoyed an awesome club career spanning 15 years and featured for 15 different teams – 9 from England including Sheffield Wednesday where he started his career in 1997, Oldham Athletic, Chester City, Chesterfield, Lincoln City, Queens Park Rangers, Barnet, Bristol Rovers and Nottingham Forest.
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, 2019
He also spent years 2000 and 2001 playing in the MLS with Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes.
Junior Agogo joined Egyptian giants Zamalek FC months after his poster boy show for Ghana at Afcon 2008. He however moved on to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol the following season and then to Scottish side Hibernian FC before retiring in 2012. He scored a total of 113 goals in 350 games during his club career.
