British soccer star Matija Sarkic has tragically died suddenly, according to reports.
The Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper died suddenly at the age of 26, the club has announced.
He reportedly dropped dead at an apartment in the town of Budva in the Balkan country on Saturday morning.
Initial reports state that he suddenly “fell ill” and died immediately.
An ambulance was immediately called to the scene but attempts to resuscitate him failed.
He was confirmed dead on the scene around 6.30 am local time.
Grimsby-born Montenegro international, Sarkic, was recently in action just over a week ago when he played the entirety of an international friendly defeat against Belgium.
A statement from Championship side Millwall said the club “is completely devastated to announce” the death of Sarkic.
Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions since he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August last year.
“A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions,” it said.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.
“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”
Grimsby-born Sarkic last played 10 days ago, on 5 June against Belgium for Montenegro in a friendly.
He made his international debut against Belarus in 2019 and won eight caps for his country.
Sarkic began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before joining Aston Villa in 2015 and had loan spells at Wigan, Stratford, Havant and Waterlooville and Livingston before moving to Wolves in 2020.
He also played 60 games during loan spells at Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke.
The soccer star’s sudden passing has shocked the footballing world with tributes pouring in for the Millwall star who has previously played for a host of English clubs.
Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X:
“What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26.
“Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall.
“Once a lion, always a lion.”
Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) June 15, 2024
Championship side Millwall has revealed the club’s devastation upon hearing the news.
The club issued a short statement in response to Sarkic’s passing and blacked out the official X profile out of respect.
Posting on the club’s official website, an announcement read:
“Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
“Sarkic, The Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
“A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.
“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected,” the statement concluded.
The Grimsby-born player began his career at Belgian side Anderlecht before moving to the UK’s Aston Villa in 2015 where he was subsequently loaned out to Wigan Athletic, Havant & Waterlooville, and Livingston.
Wolves made a permanent move for Sarkic in 2020, with further loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City, and Stoke City following before he joined Millwall.
Local police are now at the scene and an investigation is underway, but reports in Montenegro suggest the death was due to “natural causes.”
No official cause of death has yet been revealed.
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