Spanish club Atletico Madrid announced on Tuesday that it will exclude its first team captain, Kukui, from the Champions League match against Manchester United, which will be held in the evening. The decision came after the death of the player's mother, Ana Merodio Borja, this morning in Madrid, and the assistant teacher of the U-19 youth team, Borja Resurrección, also died at the same time.
This announcement comes as part of the club's initiative to honor the late woman, as the European Football Association agreed to hold a minute of silence during the match with Manchester United. Players will wear black armbands, and the red and white Atletico flag will be raised at half-staff at the Riad Air Metropolitano stadium as a mark of respect.
The club's Twitter accounts indicated that the club appreciates the deceased's family and expresses its deepest condolences, mentioning that Kukui, the team's captain, will participate in the mourning despite not participating in the match. A minute of silence will also be held during the UEFA Youth League match, with players wearing black armbands.
The team is expected to remain ready for the confrontation despite the absence of their captain, with the focus on collective performance in the match that will be held in the evening. No additional details are mentioned about the technical arrangements or possible replacements.