Yassine Bounou bids farewell to Malcom with an emotional message: what did he say?

Exciting comment from an Atlas Lion

Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou wanted to send off his Brazilian team-mate Malcom Filipe in style. The Morocco international posted a touching message after the winger left "the Leader" for Al-Jazira of the UAE, insisting their bond ran well beyond the pitch and into a genuine friendship.

Writing on Instagram, Bounou thanked Malcom for their years together at Al-Hilal. "My friend Malcom, I would like to thank you so much for these years we spent together at Al-Hilal," he said, describing the time they shared as one of his most treasured memories.

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He went on to reveal the personal side of that friendship. "Thank you for helping me from day one and making me feel like one of your family, and I will never forget what you did on my birthday," the goalkeeper added.

For Bounou, Malcom's worth was never just about what he delivered on the pitch. "It was an honour for me to be your team-mate, and more importantly I was delighted to know you as a human being and a wonderful person," he said, in a message dripping with affection for the Brazilian.

Bounou signed off by wishing Malcom and his family well for the road ahead. "I wish you and your family all the best and goodness in the future," he said, before adding a warm farewell: "A big kiss, my dear."

The message laid bare the human ties inside the Al-Hilal dressing room. Malcom leaves after a successful spell at the club and now starts afresh with Al-Jazira, but the friendships and memories he built stretch far beyond anything decided on the green rectangle.