FOOTBALL players, friends and family members donned Arsenal red to lay to rest “larger than life” teenager Tyanni Tendayi yesterday.

The popular Wroughton footballer died in Bristol Royal Hospital for Children last month aged 14 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

When Tyanni showed no signs of recovery, his parents decided to donate his organs and in death, the brave teenager saved the lives of seven people.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the St John Baptist & St Helen Church in Wroughton, wearing red ribbons to show solidarity with Tyanni’s passion for Arsenal FC.

Pallbearers wore shirts emblazoned with the Broad Town Colt’s footballer’s initials and squad number nine, to carry in his coffin decorated with photos of Tyanni at his beloved team's Emirates Stadium.

Tyanni’s teammates from the Colts ensured the football fan was part of one last huddle as they took a moment around his coffin to remember the Ridgeway School pupil.

It was standing room only for the service of the much-loved brother and Gunners fan with the congregation left crying and laughing as they recalled memories of the “cheeky and active” teen.

A eulogy written by Tyanni’s father Tongayi Tendayi and Chloe Willis paid tribute to the 14-year-old’s warm and giving nature.

“He had a heart, he wanted to stop people being bullied, he was passionate about justice and he always wanted to do the right thing," it read.

“He was larger than life, and he had big shoulders, he was cheeky and had a mind of his own too.

“Even when he was grounded on a trip to Normandy he showed his ability to negotiate. He swung between wanting to become a footballer to his the other dream of being a chartered accountant, he had a bright future ahead of him.

“I’m aware that I’m making him sound like a saint, but we must remember he loved his food too and especially Heinz Tomato ketchup."

A poignant video tribute of Tyanni’s life accompanied See You Again sung by his uncle, Takura Tendayi and aunt, Valerie Zhande.

The video ended with the sport-loving teen doing a backwards slam dunk and flashing the camera his trademark smile.

A period of quiet reflection – where the congregation was invited to recall their own precious memories of Tyanni followed

Tyanni, who was predicted A*grades in his forthcoming GCSE exams was also honoured with a minute’s applause held before the Broad Town Colts game in Calne last month.

Frank Ocean’s Thinkin Bout You ended the service with Tyanni’s family remaining for a private committal ceremony.

The congregation then gathered at the Ridgeway School Hall to share more stories about Tyanni.