Sad day for football fans, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Stade de Reims player Manuel Abreu passed away last Tuesday. Aged 63, the Portuguese made the good times of several French clubs during his career which spanned from 1977 to 1996. Settled in France for many years, he continued in football by becoming a coach after his brilliant playing career. It was the UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers) who made the announcement in a press release published yesterday.
“It is with immense sadness that the UNFP learned of the sudden death of Manu Abreu at the age of 63”, says the association in a tweet. For now, the cause of death of the native of Fafe in Portugal is not known, but as indicated by the UNFP, it is a sudden and unexpected death. Former figure of the Stade de Reims, which he trained after having played there for 4 years, the club wanted to pay tribute to him after this very sad announcement.
The Stade de Reims pays him a beautiful tribute
In a press release issued after his disappearance, the Stade de Reims pays tribute to one of his own. “It is with sadness that the SDR learned today of the disappearance of Manuel AbreuReims player from 1979 to 1983 and from 1993 to 1995 and coach from 1995 to 2000. To his family, his loved ones, the entire Red and White club sends its deepest condolences.”, indicates the Reims club. Used to evolving in amateur football during his coaching career, Manuel Abreu had notably taken his team from Reims Sainte Anne to the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France in 2020.
The current mayor of Reims, Arnaud Robinet, also wanted to pay a last tribute to the former footballer. “Very saddened by the sudden death of Manu Abreu, former player and coach of the Stade de Reims and the Saint Anne club. A man with great human qualities. We will miss you. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones”he said on his Twitter account.