NATHAN AKE has revealed his first ever Champions League goal came just minutes after his father passed away.
The Manchester City defender, 26, headed in the opener in the 6-3 rout of RB Leipzig at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
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And the Dutch international dedicated the special moment to his dad Moise – who had died surrounded by his family that evening.
Ake said: “On Wednesday, after a difficult time I scored my first Champions League goal – and only a few minutes after my dad passed away peacefully with my mum and brother by his side.
“Maybe it was meant to be, watching me play always made him proud and happy.
“I know you’re always with me, you will always be in my heart and this one was for you dad.
“The past few weeks have been the toughest of my life, my dad has been very ill and there was no more treatment possible.
“I was lucky to have a lot of support from my fiancé, family and friends.”
His father’s illness is believed to be the reason why Ake withdrew from the Holland squad for their World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
But he was back available for City in their win over Leicester last weekend and again on Wednesday against Leipzig.
And he made the most of a rare starting opportunity by firing his team in front.
That was the start of a goal fest for the home side as Jack Grealish also notched his first Champions League goal.
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