Former Hammer Papa Bouba Diop has passed away at the age of 42 with a number of reports claiming he had been suffering from a long-time illness.

In August 2011, West Ham announced the signing of Diop on a one-year deal. He joined on a free transfer after leaving AEK Athens. The deal included an option to sign for a further year.

He made his debut for West Ham on 1 October 2011 in a 2–2 away draw with Crystal Palace and scored his first and only goal for West Ham, against Barnsley on 17 December 2011. It proved to be the  winner in a 1–0 victory. On 30 June 2012, Diop was released by West Ham on expiry of his contract.

He then joined Lee Clark’s Birmingham City on a short-term contract, subject to a successful application for a working visa He left Brum in January 2013.

Diop won 63 caps for Senegal, scoring 11 goals including his historic World Cup strike.

The mayor of Mermoz Sacré-Cœur, Barthélémy Dias, paid tribute to him today (Sunday) , writing on social media: “Thank you GAINDÉ for making us dream so much.”

Claret and Hugh wish to add their sincere condolences to his friends and family.