Bradley Lowery dies after brave cancer battle

Jermaine Defoe broke into tears in a media conference for Bournemouth yesterday after visiting his friend in hospital. The striker had visited Bradley Lowery in hospital to say goodbye to the boy with whom he struck up a friendship, stating he will 'always be in my heart'.

The Sunderland fan had bravely battled this rare illness since he was 18 months old, his passion for football and love for his 'best mate' Defoe touching millions around the world.

Lowery's family announced that their 'superhero' had died, leaving his family 'heartbroken': 'My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family. He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed elsewhere'.

'There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels'.

Millions followed the Facebook account in support of Lowery's fight against Neuroblastoma, which is a rare form of cancer typically affecting babies and young children.

The thoughts of all at #SAFC are with the Lowery family following this afternoon's sad news.#OneBradleyLowery

https://t.co/EtrhMlpbqt pic.twitter.com/MeYOey4d3v

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) 7 de julio de 2017