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France midfielder Lassana Diarra says his cousin was killed in the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.

Diarra, 30, was playing in the friendly against Germany at the Stade de France where three suicide bombers died in blasts outside the stadium. “It is with a heavy heart that I heard this news,” ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player Diarra tweeted. 

Several sporting fixtures in France were postponed after 129 people were killed in attacks across Paris. The French Football Federation (FFF) said Tuesday’s international friendly against England at Wembley would go ahead following three days of national mourning.

Diarra, who now plays for Marseille, added: “As you may have read, I was touched personally by the attacks. “My cousin, Asta Diakite, was among the victims of one of the shootings yesterday, along with hundreds of other innocent French people. She was like a big sister to me. “In this climate of terror, it is important for all of us who represent our country and its diversity to stay united against a horror which has no colour, no religion. Stand together for love, respect and peace.

“Thank you all for your messages, take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and may the victims rest in peace.”