WEST BROMWICH ALBION have paid tribute to their former defender Williams Martinez after he tragically died aged just 38.
The star spent the 2006-07 campaign on-loan at the Hawthorns but started just once in the Premier League.
He played for 15 different clubs throughout a career that spanned 20 years.
Martinez was playing for Uruguayan Segunda Division team Villa Teresa at the time of his passing on Saturday.
Matches in Uruguay were suspended after the news of Martinez’s passing was announced.
And the Uruguayan FA posted a message of support on their social media account.
Villa Teresa tweeted: “Club Atlético Villa Teresa deeply regrets the passing of our main squad player Williams Martinez, his family, friends and relatives our deepest condolences.”
West Brom wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Williams Martínez. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. Rest in peace.”
Ex-Premier League and Baggies star Jonathan Greening responded to West Brom’s tweet in a state of shock, writing: “No f****** way.”
Martinez won one cap for his country back in 2003.
And his compatriot Luis Suarez joined in the tributes on social media.
Atletico Madrid’s former LIverpool and Barcelona forward wrote: “What sad news the loss of Williams Martínez. Much strength for your friends and family. RIP Williams.”
Martinez began his career with Defensor Sporting, who he later captained, before joining West Brom and then French side Valenciennes.
Following a loan spell with Reims, he returned to Defensor, before heading off to play in Argentina with Chacarita Juniors and in Chile with Huachipato and Palestino.
He then moved to Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno before returning to Uruguay with River Plate Monitevideo.
Since 2015, he has played with Cerro, Deportivo Tachira and Ceuta, as well as further spells at River Plate and Rampla.
He joined Villa Teresa less than a year ago but has recently been out of action due to injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
