There was a particularly heart-breaking moment in Belgium this weekend when Lorenzo Schoonbaert attended his last Club Brugge game having postponed his visit to a euthanasia clinic to do so.
Schoonbaert is suffering from a terminal illness and has been for over 20 years. With Belgium's assisted suicide laws being significantly more liberal than most countries, the decision was taken for Lorre, as he is known, to end his life rather than continue his suffering.
But not before he had a chance to see Club Brugge one last time.
Lorenzo Schoonbaert en dochtertje Dina geven de aftrap voor #CluMoe. You'll never walk alone Lorenzo! pic.twitter.com/Oli8M93LST
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) March 1, 2015
With his 7 year old daughter by his side, Lorre stepped out at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Sunday to see Brugge defeat Mouscron 3-0. The 41 year old is well known to the Brugge fans and he was given a rapturous welcome. In the aftermath of the game, he met the Brugge team with Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan sharing his thoughts on what it meant to meet Lorre.
Lost for words yesterday meeting Lorenzo. Thoughts are going out to him and his loved ones for tonight #inspiration pic.twitter.com/mE6L7jQpEM
— Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) March 2, 2015
Speaking after his final trip to his beloved club, Lorre summed up his feelings;
I am unbelievably happy now. This will be a treasured memory for my daughter which she can enjoy all her life. My last dream has come true. I can die in peace now. I will celebrate from heaven.
The following day, his family confirmed that Lorre had passed away following a lethal injection.
[Mirror]
