Grieving Lua Lua remembers son

Tresor Lomana Lua Lua dedicated his performance against Man Utd to his dead son.

Portsmouth striker Tresor Lomana Lua Lua has dedicated his fine performance against Manchester United to his recently departed son, and vowed to continue focusing on football as he attempts to put the tragic loss behind him.

The Pompey striker's 18 month old child passed away whilst he was on African Cup of Nations duty with DR Congo but Lua Lua still decided to play in the 3-1 defeat to United at Fratton Park.

Black armbands were worn as a tribute by both sides and the former Colchester man put in a man-of-the-match performance despite his personal problems.

Lua Lua has now dedicated his super showing to his son, as well as insisting he will keep himself occupied with his game as he continues to grapple with his loss.

"I really wanted to score a goal as a message for my little boy who passed away," said Lua Lua.

"I couldn't do that but I tried my best and dedicate that performance to my son.

"He was an innocent boy and I will always love him but I believe God gives and God takes away so I know he is in good hands.

"It was very hard for me to go out and play and I'm still choking away inside.

"I have been trying so hard to put it behind me but it hasn't been easy to sleep for the past week since I was told the news.

"Harry [Redknapp] asked me how I was feeling but it was my decision to play against United because when I'm at home I always think about my boy so I need to keep myself occupied.

"This is my job at the end of the day so I've just got to get on with it, I just want to play football."

Lua Lua was also grateful for the kind words of United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the Dutchman had nothing but praise for his opponent after taking the field in such difficult circumstances.

"I thank Ruud and all the lads from United," Lua Lua continued.

"Six or seven came over to me and told me to keep my head up.

"It's nice to know that the people you meet in football care about the other side of things.

"For 90 minutes we might be enemies but we're human beings as well and we do care about each other.

"All the players wore black armbands for my son and I really appreciated the gesture. It meant a lot to me."