Soccer players give tribute to Mandela

Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Soccer players from around the world have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela following the death of former South African president and global icon.

"Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You"ll always stay with us," wrote Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter.

Barcelona defender, who lifted the 2010 World Cup trophy in South Africa standing next to Mandela, wrote on Twitter, "2010WorldCup is in my heart.As other incredible things,it would never happened without @NelsonMandela Thanks #Madiba."

Other soccer stars including South African Steven Pienaar, brothers Rio and Anton Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Aaron Ramsey and more also paid tribute to the former leader over the social media platform.

[ESPN Soccernet]