The Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26, it has been reported.
According to a number of news outlets, Sarkic fell ill in the town of Budva whilst on international duty with his country on Saturday morning (June 15).
This comes just seven days after he played for Montenegro in a 2-0 friendly loss to Belgium.
Millwall have released a statement following the news, which read: "Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26."
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
It continued: "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."
Matija Sarkic's career in football
Sarkic was born in Grimsby on July 3, 1997, to Bojan Šarkić, a Montenegrin diplomat, and Natalie Šarkić-Todd, who works at a European media network.
After playing in the youth academy of Belgian club Anderlecht, he signed for Premier League side Aston Villa on a three-year contract in September 2015.
He didn't end up playing a game for them but had a number of loan spells out to clubs such as Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Scottish side Livingston.
Sarkic signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 before being sent out on loan to EFL clubs Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City.
After leaving Wolves in 2023, he signed for Championship side Millwall for an undisclosed fee where he spent the 2023/24 season.
Internationally, Sarkic represented Montenegro at U17, U19 and U21 level before making his debut for the senior team in November 2019, which was in a 2-0 friendly win against Belarus.
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