Emotional Ibrahima Konate breaks down in tears after Liverpool star scored on first appearance since tragic death of his father

Ibrahima Konate was consoled by his team-mates after scoring on his first Liverpool appearance since his father died.

The centre-back, 26, returned to Arne Slot‘s starting XI on Saturday evening for the Reds’ Premier League match against Newcastle after missing three consecutive matches to grieve.

Konate had spent some time at home in Paris with his family following his father Hamady’s tragic passing, and attended his funeral on January 23.

In what was an emotionally charged affair for the Frenchman, he returned to the Liverpool back four alongside Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez.

And with one of the last kicks of the ball, Konate scored to put Liverpool 4-1 up in front of the Kop.

As he got back to his feet after celebrating with a knee-slide, the 26-year-old was visibly emotional and was comforted by every member of the Liverpool squad – including goalkeeper Alisson who ran the entire length of the pitch to embrace him.

Konate was consoled all of by his team-mates, particularly his defensive partner Virgil van Dijk

All 11 players on the pitch embraced Konate following his goal including goalkeeper Alisson

He could then be seen wiping tears from his eyes and was hugged again by Van Dijk while the rest of the players walked back towards the centre circle. 

Konate was interviewed by TNT Sports on the Anfield pitch moments after the full-time whistle, and explained how much it meant to him to score.

‘I’m very happy [with the goal]. I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for my family and me these last two weeks, but this is part of life. It is hard to accept that, and we don’t have a choice.

‘I know that the team had some injured players, and the manager on the call said to take my time and I don’t have to rush back. 

‘With this situation [injuries] it was important for me to come back and help the team. I did today with the team at Anfield, the atmosphere was incredible today, and this is what we need until the end of the season. 

Konate shared a social media post last week after attending his father’s funeral, thanking people for their kind words and to those who attended the service.

‘Even though I haven’t had the strength or time to reply to everyone, This really touched me and did a lot of good. Thank you for your support and prayers. May Allah keep you safe,’ he wrote.