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Ajax boss Peter Bosz says Europa League final will not be the same following Manchester attack

Ajax boss Peter Bosz says Europa League final will not be the same
Image: Ajax boss Peter Bosz says the Europa League final will not be the same

Ajax boss Peter Bosz says the Europa League final against Manchester United "doesn't have the glow it should have" following the bomb attack in Manchester on Monday.

There will be a minute's silence before the final at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Wednesday after 22 people were killed and 59 were injured during the explosion which went off shortly after an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Bosz expressed his sympathies at his pre-match press conference in Sweden and said the game will not be the same following the attack.

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Manchester United held a minute's silence for the victims and those injured in the Manchester attacks

"What happened in Manchester is something that we all feel at Ajax," Bosz said. "On behalf of the players and the staff, we at Ajax would like to express sympathy with the victims who unfortunately fell yesterday.

"The feeling that prevails is that the final doesn't have the glow it should have.

UEFA reassure fans over EL final
UEFA reassure fans over EL final

UEFA have moved to reassure fans that stringent security measures are in place for the Europa League final in Stockholm.

"Tomorrow evening should be a football feast, but because of events in Manchester, we're all affected, particularly as we're playing against Manchester. It's horrible. My heartfelt sympathies."

Grande, who was unhurt in the attack, recently performed in Amsterdam and several of the Ajax players' wives and children attended the concert.

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Bosz oversees an Ajax training session at the Friends Arena
Image: Bosz oversees an Ajax training session at the Friends Arena

"It's devastating," said midfielder Lasse Schone. "Ariana Grande performed in Amsterdam two weeks ago. My wife and my child were there. It's so close. It's terrible, it's horrible.

"Our sympathies go out to the victims' friends and families. It takes away some of the sparkle of what will happen tomorrow."

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