Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has lost his father Alhaji Muniru after battling illness.

Alhaji Muniru who has been unwell for a period, passed on Monday afternoon. 

The man known as Alhaji Muniru Muntari aka 'Coach' has been battling illness for some time now and a family friend confirmed the news.

He passed on at the 37 Military Hospital on Monday afternoon after he was rushed there on Sunday evening following excessive pain.

The devout Muslim will be buried according to Islamic tradition on Tuesday morning.

The Ghanaian Nigerian has been influential in the life of  the tough tackling midfielder including coming out to apologize to the public on behalf of his son after the 32-year-old’s misconduct in the Black Stars team.

He is also the father of midfielder Muniru Muntari. Muniru, who plies his trade in Romania for FC Steaua BucureÈ™ti. 

Great DAD!! We know you already safe out there! REST IN PEACE✌️Just keep praying for us like always.❤️❤️❤️🙏Sound sleep MUNIRU.

— Sulley Muniru (@MuniruOfficial) May 29, 2017

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana have also paid tribute to the deceased 

We extend our deepest sympathies to Ghanaian midfielder @MuntariOfficial who lost his father. May the soul of your dad be at peace!. pic.twitter.com/ZzPP6Kx7mv

— PFAG (@PFAGofficial) May 29, 2017