Manchester United’s new signing Donny van de Beek will wear shirt number 34 in tribute to his former teammate.
Abdelhak Nouri collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia attack during an Ajax pre-season game in 2017.
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Nouri was revived on the pitch and airlifted to hospital.
However, he was left with brain damage and in a vegetative state, and only woke from a coma earlier this year – two years and nine months after the tragic incident.
Known as Appie, Nouri was born in Amsterdam and came through Ajax’s academy to eventually debut for their first-team.
He had played nine times for Ajax before the incident.
A number of his former teammates have chosen to wear the number 34 shirt in honour of Nouri.
Man City defender Philippe Sandler also requested the number when he joined the club in 2018.
Van de Beek completed his £40million move to Manchester United on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Ajax and has gone on to establish himself in the Holland national team.
Van De Beek played an important role in the Dutch club’s thrilling run to last year’s Champions League semi-finals and has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further season.
“I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” Van De Beek said.
“I would like to thank everyone at Ajax, I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club.
“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.
“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.
“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.
“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
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