English football club Millwall are “completely devastated” after the shock death of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, aged 26.
Sarkic died unexpectedly after falling ill while on international duty with Montenegro.
He was reportedly at a friend’s apartment when he fell ill on Saturday morning. An ambulance was called, but he was unable to be saved.
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He was Millwall’s No.1 goalkeeper, making 33 appearances for the side as they finished 13th in the Championship this season.
He also made nine appearances for the Montenegro, including just two weeks ago when he played in a friendly against Belgium.
The club released a statement confirming his death.
“Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26,” they said.
“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 nine 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.”
Montenegro Football Association also paid tribute.
“Our dear Matija, we will miss you and your cheerful spirit, your work ethic and your great defending,” the Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) said in a statement, describing Sarkic as an “always smiling guy”.
“On behalf of European football, our deepest condolences go to Matija’s friends, family and everybody who knew him. Rest in peace, Matija,” governing body UEFA said in a statement.
Sarkic began his career at English Premier League side Aston Villa but never made a senior appearance.
He spent time at a number of lower league clubs on loan before joining Wolves in 2020.
He was again loaned out to Shrewsbury Town where he made 26 appearances and then to Birmingham where he played 23 times.
“Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him,” the club said in a statement.
Former EPL striker and commentator Stan Collymore said: “Truly awful news of the death of Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic aged only 26. A young man with everything in front of him, puts everything into perspective. Sending sincerest condolences to his family.”
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