The death of Junior Malanda has left VfL Wolfsburg, the club’s fans and the football world in shock. The 20 year old died after the car he was in spun out of control in windy and rainy conditions and leapt over a guardrail hitting a tree, Malanda died instantly, the two other people in the vehicle were hospitalised.

Over 200 fans ascended on the Volkswagen Arena as the news unfolded, to light candles and mourn together and now a book of condolences has been set out for the fans to write messages.

Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz (Chairman of the Supervisory Board): "We are deeply saddened and totally shocked. Junior Malanda was a really young guy and a promising player, who had a great future ahead of him – his life has been cut brutally short far too early. Our thoughts are with his family, who we will attempt to assist at this difficult time. Speaking as a father, there are things that a person should never have to experience. His death is also a huge loss to VfL Wolfsburg."

Klaus Allofs (VfL Director of Sport): "We are distraught and can simply not find the words to express our bewilderment. We all loved him dearly. He was the positive spirit within the team and a young man full of the joys of life. In addition, Junior was an excellent footballer, merely at the beginning of his development. We cannot believe that he is no longer with us. Our thoughts at this dreadful time are with his family and relatives."

Dieter Hecking (Head coach): "I can‘t even begin to explain how I am feeling right now and what is going through my mind. We just had a discussion with Junior yesterday and he was eagerly looking forward to his future. It was a joy to work with Junior and we had big plans together. I am unspeakably saddened."

Thomas Röttgermann (VfL Manager): "It is unfathomable that Junior Malanda has lost his life in such tragic circumstances. We have come to know him as an ambitious sportsman, who was very much focused on the future. The thoughts and sympathies of all at VfL Wolfsburg are with his family and friends at this dreadful time."

Wolfsburg will travel to South Africa and carry on training camp as planned, despite the tragic news.

'It wasn't an easy decision but we're sure that it's absolutely the right one. He wanted success, to achieve great things with us, and it's the least we could do for him,' Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs said.

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