Chelsea star Frank Lampard and manager Jose Mourinho have both paid tribute to Shawn Kuykendall following his passing last month.
The former DC United, New York Red Bulls and American University midfielder lost his year-long battle with thymic cancer on March 12 at just 32 years of age.
Tributes have flowed in from all corners of the US soccer landscape but Lampard and Mourinho took the cake when sending a signed shirt and letter to the family of the late Shawn.
The American University men's soccer team posted a picture on Twitter showing the signed Lampard shirt.
Special thanks to @ChelseaFC's Frank Lampard who sent a signed jersey to AU Soccer in honor of Shawn Kuykendall. pic.twitter.com/8uNvaLT2e0
— AU Men's Soccer (@AU_MSoccer) April 1, 2014
While Mourinho's letter to the Kuykendall family was full of class from the Portuguese tactian.
'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall,
'I was deeply saddened to hear of your son's passing. I can only imagine the grief of a parent losing a child and my heart goes out to you both.
'I hope you and your family find great strength in the shared memories of Shawn's life at this toughest of times and also in the future.
'The football family has lost a fine young man, and everyone's thoughts at Chelsea FC are with you, your family and Shawn's friends.
'With much sympathy,
'Yours sincerely,
The letter was published on the 'Kuykenstrong Foundation' website - http://kuykenstrong.com/
