Chapecoense goalkeeper Danilo, who was killed in the tragic Colombian air crash last month, has been named Fans' Best Player in the Campeonato Brasileiro by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Danilo's last gasp save in the semi finals against Argentine club San Lorenzo helped his side into the Copa Sudamericana final, and got 48% of the votes.
Danilo's mother Dona Illaides accepted the award on behalf of her son.
"Chapeco is living in a very difficult time, right now, it's the people who are wanting to hold me, and that's what's giving me strength and standing me up. That's how I stand, I hold you and you hold me. I want to send a big hug to the children of Chapeco. They are suffering a lot. Danilo and all the others were idols. On behalf of the Chapecoense Association, I thank you very much. I hope that the next warriors who arrive there will warmly embrace that crowd and be the new warriors for them," The Guardian quoted Danilo's mother as saying.
Danilo was among 71 killed after their plane that was carrying the entire Chapecoense squad, technical commission and a number of journalists for the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final crashed en route to Medellin two days before their match. This was going to be the biggest match in the club's history.
Chapecoense have since been named winners of the South American competition. Danilo, who survived the initial crash, passed away in the hospital.
