Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26, the club has announced.
He reportedly fell ill at an apartment in the town of Budva in the Balkan country this morning.
A statement from Championship side Millwall said the club “is completely devastated to announce” the death of Sarkic, who made 33 appearances for the Lions since he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August last year.
Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic against Belgium .
Pic: EPA/Shutterstock
“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.
Matija Sarkic.
Pic:Richard Lee/Shutterstock
He also played 60 games during loan spells at Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke.
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.”