Cameroon midfielder Arnaud Djoum says their return to the FIFA Confederations Cup this year will be dedicated to the late Marc-Vivien Foe.

Foe passed away from heart failure during the semi-final between the Indomitable Lions and Colombia at the 2003 edition of the competition in France.

For Djoum, who helped Cameroon earn their place in the upcoming continental showpiece after winning AFCON 2017, the mere mention of Foe’s name is still enough to leave him emotional.

“We will definitely be playing in respect of him [Foe], just like we did in this tournament here in Gabon,” says Heart of Midlothian midfielder Djoum, who played at this year’s AFCON finals using the same number 17 jersey that was worn by Foe.

In celebration during Sunday's final against Egypt, all Cameroon players also donned Foe’s number 17 jersey as tribute.

“I think it is clear for everyone to understand how much respect we have for him (Foe) as players which is why this decision (wear number 17 jerseys) was taken," says Djoum.

"We are all going to continue paying tribute to him at the Confederations Cup because that was the same tournament during which he lost his life. The unity that led to us winning the AFCON came from our desire to want to be at the Confederations Cup where we can get to pay tribute to our fallen star."

After defying odds to win the 2017 AFCON title, the Indomitable Lions will now represent the continent at the World Cup warm-up tournament in Russia from June 17-July 2.

Drawn in Group B at the 2017 Confederations Cup, the African champions will play 2014 World Cup winners Germany, 2015 COPA America winners Chile and the AFC Asian Cup winners Australia, while Group A has Portugal, Russia, Mexico and New Zealand.