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Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott sent a heartfelt message to Wales’ Neco Williams, who is mourning the death of his grandad.
Nottingham Forest full-back Williams was full of tears after Wales held the USA to a 1-1 draw in Doha, Qatar - it was the country’s first appearance in a World Cup since 1958.
However, the 21-year-old revealed he had played in the game just 24 hours after having learned his grandad had died - news that he described as the “toughest” he had ever had to face.
Williams’ grief
A late penalty Gareth Bale's penalty earned Wales a hard-fought draw last night in their first World Cup match for 64 years.
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After the game however Wiliams revealed in a tweet: "To go from crying all day to start in a World Cup game was extremely tough but I got through it from the support of my team-mates and family. So I dedicate that game and an important point to him."
The former Liverpool star then wrote on Instagram: “Yesterday was the toughest news I've ever had to face and that was listening to my mum tell me my grandad passed away last night.
"He's been everywhere around the world to watch me play football from when I first started playing at Liverpool at 6 years old.
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"He'd never tell me if I had a good game because he always said I have to get better and better each day and that's why I am where I am now!
"So I dedicate this game all to him because I know he's up there watching down on me very proudly."
Elliott’s heartfelt response
Williams and Elliott previously shared a dressing room at Anfield, and were believed to be close friends away from football.
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Naturally, in response to Williams’ post, Elliott responded by saying: “Made him proud my bro! Keep strong.”
Dejan Lovren, who was at Liverpool from 2014 to 2020 added: “He is definitely proud of you. Well done yesterday."
Topics: Football, Wales, Football World Cup, Liverpool, Qatar, Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams
Chris Byfield