Tributes paid to an ‘inspirational soccer agent with heart of gold’
TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular football agent and dad-of-six who has died after contracting coronavirus.
Christopher Adedeji, 53, has been described by his friends and family as an ‘inspirational man’ who had a ‘heart of gold’ following his tragic death last month.
The agent, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Harry Redknapp, had been working with young football players to help progress their careers before the pandemic hit.
The devoted father’s life was said to be ‘dominated’ by his ‘immense passion’ for football.
Christopher underwent a kidney transplant in 2019, meaning he was at risk of becoming seriously unwell if he contracted coronavirus.
His former partner and close friend, Denise Osman, said he was first in line to get his vaccine and had been double jabbed as soon as he was eligible. “He would still wear a mask everywhere and was really careful,” Denise said.
But shortly after his 53rd birthday in
July, Christopher became unwell and had to go to hospital. It was confirmed that Christopher, who lived in Salford, had tested positive for the virus. He spent two months in a coma in hospital, but had suffered so much oxygen deprivation that his vital organs shut down. Despite the best efforts of medics to keep Christopher alive, he lost the fight.
“Christopher has got six children. It is very difficult for them, especially his youngest who is only six,” Denise said.
“He was very loud and outgoing. He was very generous and giving. He would leave himself struggling to make sure others were okay.”
Denise has set up a gofundme page to help Christopher’s family with the cost of his funeral. Dozens of tributes have been posted on the page from Christopher’s close friends and colleagues. One wrote: “Chris was a mountain of a man in terms of heart and soul.”
Another said: “Mr. Christopher worked tirelessly, with such passion, to make other people’s dreams come true. He believed in people when they did not believe in themselves.”