The world of football is mourning the death of Spanish football star Pelayo Novo, who has died aged 32 after being hit by a train.
Novo, who was paralysed from the waist down after a fall from a hotel balcony in 2011, was struck by a train near his home in the Spanish city of Oviedo on Saturday.
The former Real Oviedo player had been living with his family in the city since his accident, and had been a regular at the club’s matches.
Novo had been a professional footballer since the age of 17, playing for a number of clubs in Spain, including Real Oviedo, Real Zaragoza and Real Betis.
He had also represented Spain at youth level, and was part of the team that won the Under-19 European Championship in 2004.
Novo’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the football community, with many of his former teammates and clubs paying tribute to him.
Real Oviedo, where Novo had been a fan favourite, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Pelayo Novo, a great player and a great person.
“We will always remember him with affection and admiration. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Real Zaragoza, where Novo had played for two seasons, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Pelayo Novo. He was a great player and a great person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Real Betis, where Novo had spent the last two years of his career, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Pelayo Novo. He was a great player and a great person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Novo’s death has also been met with an outpouring of grief from the wider football community, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the player.
The Spanish Football Federation said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Pelayo Novo. He was a great player and a great person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Novo’s death has been a huge shock to the football world, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a talented footballer and a great person, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
