A DUTCH footballer held back tears as he paid tribute to his girlfriend who was killed in a hit-and-run while jogging.
Mark Verkuijl, 19, paid tribute to his late partner Elisa before an Ajax reserves game.
Elisa, 21, was hit by a car while jogging between Ede and Veenendaal in central Netherlands on December 18.
The victim later died of her injuries in hospital.
The alleged driver – a 54-year-old woman – reportedly fled the scene after hitting Elisa with her vehicle.
But police are said to have tracked her down at her home later that evening before apprehending her.
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Verkuijl, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, joined his team-mates before kick off to pay tribute to Elisa.
The second-string Ajax side held a minute’s silence in her honour and wore black armbands during their home match with RKC Waalwijk
Verkuijl also held up an Ajax shirt with her name as he struggled to hold back tears in the emotional scenes.
He was spotted in the stands holding up her jersey as fans erupted into a minutes applause in the 21st minute.
Jong Ajax, also referred to as Ajax II, lost the match 0-2.
They sit 20th in the Eerste Divisie, the second-highest tier of Dutch football.
News of Elisa’s passing impacted the squad and they were unable to train in the days afterwards.
