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    Ajax's Abdelhak Nouri left permanently brain damaged after collapsing in game

    Updated 1244 GMT (2044 HKT) July 13, 2017

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    Nouri played 15 league and cup games for Ajax last season.
    Nouri played 15 league and cup games for Ajax last season.

    Story highlights

    • Nouri collapsed during a match on Saturday
    • Midfielder was put into an induced coma

    (CNN)A promising 20-year-old Dutch footballer has been left permanently brain damaged after collapsing during a pre-season friendly game, his club Ajax said Thursday.

    Abdelhak Nouri was put into an induced coma at a hospital in Austria after collapsing during the friendly match against Werder Bremen on Saturday, July 8 as the Dutch club prepared for the 2017/2018 season.
      "#Ajax are deeply saddened by the news that Appie Nouri has been diagnosed with serious and permanent brain damage," tweeted the Amsterdam club.
      In a second tweet Ajax said their "thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones in this difficult time."
      Two days ago, the club said tests had shown that the Amsterdam-born player's heart was "functioning normal and appears to be undamaged," but tests could not at the time be conducted on his brain as he remained asleep.
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      Nouri played 15 league and cup games for Ajax in 2016-17, scoring one goal in a Dutch Cup tie.
      Ajax finished second to Feyenoord, while the Dutch club were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in the Europa League final.
      Ajax is one of European football's most storied clubs having won the European Cup and has a long tradition of developing young players.
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        The stage for Wednesday's Europa League final between Ajax and Manchester United was the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
        Photos: Manchester United meet Ajax in European showpiece final
        The stage for Wednesday's Europa League final between Ajax and Manchester United was the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
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        The Europa League trophy weighs 15kg. Unusually the trophy has no handles, prompting the UEFA website to quip: "The first challenge is how to hold it."
        Photos: Manchester United meet Ajax in European showpiece final
        The Europa League trophy weighs 15kg. Unusually the trophy has no handles, prompting the UEFA website to quip: "The first challenge is how to hold it."
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        As with any major final, the hunt was on for tickets before the match.
        Photos: Manchester United meet Ajax in European showpiece final
        As with any major final, the hunt was on for tickets before the match.
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        Ahead of the match Ajax fans enjoyed the atmosphere in Stockholm city center.
        Photos: Manchester United meet Ajax in European showpiece final
        Ahead of the match Ajax fans enjoyed the atmosphere in Stockholm city center.
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