Philippe Sandler debuted for Manchester City against Rotherham at the Etihad wearing the No.34 shirt in tribute to his former Ajax teammate Appie Nouri.
The youngster, who had been with Ajax since he was nine, collapsed in a pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen in July 2017 and was immediately treated by paramedics before being airlifted to hospital.
It was then revealed that 'Appie' had serious and permanent brain damage - his career over before it had really even begun.
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But those who played with him will never, ever forget him. Sandler, who spent time with Nouri as a youngster in the Ajax youth academy, asked for #34 upon signing for City from PEC Zwolle as he wanted to honour him.
He entered the fray as a second half substitute in the 7-0 FA Cup third round thrashing of Rotherham yesterday, with Nouri's number on the back of his shirt and on his shorts.
Roma's Justin Kluivert, Napoli's Amin Younes and Fiorentina's Kevin Dijks are also paying tribute to their friend by wearing his number for their clubs.
The former also held up Nouri's shirt when he scored his first Champions League goal for Roma in October at the Stadio Olimpico.
Promisingly, Abderrahim Nouri, the player's brother, revealed small progress with his situation to the point there has been small communication between him and his family back in August.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Appie Nouri, Football, Eredivisie, Ajax, Ajax academy
