AC Milan To Wear Black Armbands In Memory Of Kobe Bryant Despite Not Getting Approval

AC Milan players will wear black armbands in memory of Kobe Bryant despite not getting approval.

Avid AC Milan fan Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

The sporting world has been mourning his death with AC Milan set to pay tribute to the basketball legend even though they haven't received approval to do so, according to Sky Italia via Goal.

Calcio Federation denied the club's request to wear black armbands for their cup game against Torino tonight.

But the European giants have decided they will still play in black armbands in honour of the fallen NBA icon.

There will also be a minute silence before kick-off at the San Siro with a crowd of over 35,000 expected.

AC Milan released an emotional statement in wake of Bryant's death.

"We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe," the club wrote on social media.

We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe 🙏❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/FOd365chEL

— AC Milan (@acmilan) 2020年1月26日

Bryant spent seven years of his childhood in Milan and was a big fan.

Speaking in 2016, he said: "I grew up a huge AC Milan fan that was my team.

"I was right there with Van Basten, [Frank] Rijkaard, [Ruud] Gullit, [Paolo] Maldini was just getting started and we had [Franco] Baresi. That was my team."