A “talented” footballer who died three days after being stabbed near Farringdon station has been named and pictured for the first time.
Abdul-Latif Pouget, 20, was found injured in Back Hill, Clerkenwell at around 9.30pm October 18.
Police were initially called to reports of a moped crash, however they found that Abdul-Latif had also been stabbed.
He was taken to hospital for treatment, but he died of his injuries three days after on October 21.
His family are being supported by specialist officers.
Abdul-Latif was a left-winger for Zaza FC who play in the Barnet Sunday Football League.
Club secretary Duygu Ozen told Newsquest London that Abdul-Latif, who played for the club since he was 14, was as a “cool headed” player with a kind heart.
The 35-year-old said: “Football was his ambition. He was just very gentle and he was a quiet guy who would do no wrong to anyone.
“I remember when I first saw him six years ago, he was just very shy and didn’t like to speak up much.
“We would usually just text each other if he needed anything, rather than ask me face to face as he was extremely shy.”
Duygu said Abdul-Latif formed a very close bond with his teammates and especially with his manager, Deniz.
She added: “I spoke to the manager and he’s still in tears. He's quite devastated.
“He can't accept what happened. We have about 40 players in our team.
"You can see their personalities from the way they played, and Abdul Latif was quiet.
“You would not expect anything to happen to him because he was just in his own world.”
Duygu and the team were left devastated after they heard the news of Abdul-Latif’s death.
She added: “We were absolutely devastated when the manager told us. We thought he was joking at first.
“It just didn’t seem real at the time.”
A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Abdul-Latif at the London Challenge cup competition on October 27.
Zaza FC posted a message announcing his death online, saying: “You will be missed but never forgotten.
“You have captured a place in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
Oguzcan Dereli, 26, of Islington was arrested on October 20 and was charged with murder the following day.
He was due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court at 10am today (October 22).
Superintendent Jack Rowlands, responsible for policing Camden, said: “A young man has tragically died in this incident and our thoughts go out to the victim's friends and family at this terribly sad time.
“We made a quick arrest, and have been able to bring murder charges against the suspect as we accelerate this investigation following the untimely death of the victim.
“We understand a close-knit community is in shock but we are determined to bring justice for the victim's loved ones and continue to support the local neighbourhood as best as we can during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference CAD 8294/18Oct, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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