Senegal's ex-World Cup coach Bruno Metsu loses fight with cancer

In a World Cup full of high-profile coaches, Bruno Metsu made his presence felt in the 2002 world championship in Korea-Japan. When Senegal stunned France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Metsu became a household name. On Tuesday, the Frenchman lost his battle with cancer. He was 59.

Metsu was diagnosed with colon cancer shortly after replacing Diego Maradona as chief coach at Dubai's Al Wasl club in July 2012. But the cancer spread to his lungs and liver. He passed away at a clinic in his hometown of Coudekerque Village in northern France. He is survived by his wife and three children.

In a recent interview, Metsu had said: "Today, yes, I play the game of my life. I'm half and I want to win before the extension. Although the shock was terrible, I always positive. I do not lose the case." Metsu's playing career was largely based in his native France, along with a spell in Belgium with Anderlecht. After retiring as a player, he took up the assistant manager post at his last club, Beauvais, and by 1988, he became full-time manager of the club. He spent over a decade coaching in France before his first foray into international management.

Metsu spent a lot of time coaching Gulf nations. He had even converted from Christianity to Islam and changed his name to Abdullah Metsu.