Tributes have been paid to a talented young footballer who died three days after being stabbed near Farringdon station, as a man appeared in court charged with murder.
Police initially called to reports of a moped crash found Abdul-Latif Pouget, 20, in Black Hill, Clerkenwell, central London just around 9.30pm on Friday.
When paramedics treated Mr Pouget, they discovered he also had knife wounds.
He was taken to hospital but sadly died of his injuries on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said.
His family are being supported by specialist officers.
Mr Pouget was a left-winger for Zaza FC who play in the Barnet Sunday Football League.
A minute’s silence will be held across all 92 sides in the competition this weekend.
He had played for his team since the age of 14 and was known for having a cool head on the pitch.
“Football was his only ambition,” club secretary Duygu Ozen told the Standard.
“Abdul had suffered a recent leg injury and was planning to come back to us next month.
“He’s a lovely young man and well-loved by everyone here.”
Ms Ozen is gutted that a cherished member of their football team - “opened to keep young boys away from any thoughts of crime” - went out at night and ended up fatally stabbed.
“It’s not safe any more – everyone has a knife in their pocket,” she said.
“This has come as a total shock to us. Abdul’s family are devastated. I spoke to his brother who is away at the moment. It’s not what any relative would expect.
“The whole team is down to. Our manager Deniz is in tears. Up until today we haven’t been able to speak to him. They were very close.
“Abdul never got into arguments during matches. He would calm situations down. Football can be aggressive but he’s never been that sort of person.”
On Sunday, Oguzcan Dereli, 26, of Alexander Road, Islington, was arrested by homicide detectives.
He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court accused of Mr Pouget’s murder on Tuesday.
Zaza FC posted a message announcing his death online, saying: “You will be missed but never forgotten. You have captured a place in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
Mr Pouget’s sister replied: “These are amazing photos of my little brother and they mean everything to my family. thank you so much!!”
Superintendent Jack Rowlands, responsible for policing Camden, said: “A young man has tragically died in this incident and our thoughts go out to the victim's friends and family at this terribly sad time.
“We made a quick arrest, and have been able to bring murder charges against the suspect as we accelerate this investigation following the untimely death of the victim.
“We understand a close-knit community is in shock but we are determined to bring justice for the victim's loved ones and continue to support the local neighbourhood as best as we can during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference CAD 8294/18Oct, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
