Colorado Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar has disclosed his admiration for Colombus Crew skipper and fellow countrymen Jonathan Mensah.

Abubakar landed at Crew as No. 5 overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft where he met Mensah, who had arrived as a Designated Player.

According to Abubakar, Mensah was the first person he spoke to when he arrived at Columbus Crew, he also revealed how they have since built a special bond together despite leaving Crew to join Colorado Rapids.

”When I got traded, he was the first person I called,” Abubakar said.

“Jonathan is my big brother. I can’t tell you how much I love that guy, man,” Abubakar told MLSoccer.com

“He’s someone I grew up watching. I told him that when we met in Columbus. I told him he was my mentor before I even met him, then we had a great relationship. We’re still in touch. I’ll always see him as my big brother.’

The 26-year old defender also explained how misses the Ghanaian international.

‘Jonathan still advises me and I listen. It’s sad to be apart. When they came here last year, I still have the picture. The hug we gave each other was special.

”Every time I look at the picture it’s real, we missed each other so much. I still miss him. I always tell him