Former Senegal star Papa Bouba Diop dies at 42
Papa Bouba Diop, a star of Senegal's famous World Cup campaign in 2002, has died. Diop, 42, had reportedly been battling a long-term illness. The former midfielder played for four different clubs in England, enjoying spells at Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham City after impressing in France for Lens. In a Twitter statement on Sunday, Lens said: "It is with great sadness that Racing Club de Lens have just learned of the passing of their former player Papa Bouba Diop, at the age of 42. "We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones."Diop is best remembered for helping Senegal to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup 18 years ago.