Matija Sarkic, the Montenegro goalkeeper who played for English second-tier club Millwall, has died. He was 26.
Millwall announced the death of Sarkic on Saturday. No further details were disclosed.
Sarkic fell ill in his home country while on international duty. Montenegrin daily newspaper Vijesti reported Sarkic died in an apartment in Budva early in the morning.
Sarkic’s most recent match for Montenegro was on June 5, a 2-0 loss at Belgium. It was his ninth international appearance, according to the Montenegro soccer federation.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time,” Millwall said.
“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”
Sarkic played 33 times for Millwall, a club in London, since joining from Premier League team Wolverhampton in August last year.
Born in Grimsby, England, Sarkic played for Aston Villa and Belgian side Anderlecht at the youth level.
He made 33 appearances for Millwall after joining in August 2023 from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sarkic had spells on loan at lower-league English teams like Birmingham and Stoke.
AP/Reuters
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