Michael Ballack's girlfriend posts tribute to German legend's son after tragic death

Michael Ballack’s long term girlfriend has shared an emotional tribute to his 'angel' son Emilio following a fatal quad bike accident that took place near the family home in Portugal

Posted Monday, August 09, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Michael Ballack's long term girlfriend Natacha Tannous has shared an emotional tribute to his teenage son Emilio following his death in a tragic quad bike accident earlier this week.

The 18-year-old was killed after the vehicle flipped close to their family holiday home in Troia, which is close to the capital of Lisbon, in the early hours of Thursday.

Police said that Emilio, who is one of three children from Michael's marriage to Simone Lambe, had been riding on an uneven piece of land, with firefighters and medics called by a relative.

Natacha has now described her memories with the youngster, and how she wishes that she could wake up from what still feels like a horrible nightmare.

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack posed with son Emilio last year

She wrote on Instagram alongside a series of images: "When I first met you, you were 12.

"You’ve been a teenager out of the ordinary…so empathetic, compassionate, smart, kind-hearted, clever, good at anything (golf, basketball, football).

"You had an incredible personality, that’s why you were always popular… You were so charming, you’d convince me to play verstecken“ 4 times/day, or the nicht lachen game, where I’d always lose to you.

"I am still laughing at stories from the expertise summer camp. You simply made everyone laugh and brought a smile on anyone’s face.

"I have never in my life seen a teenager who would never fight, and always try to help people; you would always stand in the middle and act like a pacificator. You were incredible.

"Going through our WhatsApps, I have uncontrollable tears, at all these funny cherished moments; and even those maths exercises or humanities essays, because you wanted to be good at everything, you were so driven & always pushed yourself. Being average was out of the question for you.

"I was convinced you’d be successful at whatever you would endeavor. Which you have. Your entire life. But it was just too short. Stolen from you.

"There are no words to describe this tragedy. None. It is such a horrible nightmare that one wishes to wake up from. You were a ray of sunshine, and you left?! How is that even fair?

"The only consolation is that I feel so blessed that I have met you and I was lucky enough to have spent so much time with you, for nearly 5 years.

"But it makes it just as heartbreaking and devastating…

"In hindsight, should have allowed Nutella for breakfast, should have allowed to stay up playing video games before exams, should have allowed haribos in the bedroom. Why try to be good when it now seems all so futile…

"You have lived your youth like an angel, and you left as one. I pray for you #Emilio

"My thoughts are with your dad, Louis& Jordi, Oma& Opa and family on both Michael and Simone’s side in this extremely hard and inconsolable moment. There are no comforting words. And never will be.

"Emilio, you have touched each of us forever. You now have left an unhealable scar on everybody’s hearts. On mine eternally."