A FORMER international footballer has been shot dead while playing a friendly match in Mexico.
Sergio Jáuregui, 38, was shot six times during the game in the Santa Inés neighbourhood of Cuautla, Morelos.
The former Bolivian defender reportedly stepped off the field to re-hydrate at the bench when the attacker opened fire at close range.
The shooter is said to have fled on a motorbike waiting for him at the entrance to the ground, Diario AS reports.
Emergency services raced to the scene shortly after 11am local time on Sunday – but couldn’t save Jáuregui, who retired from professional football in 2015.
Mexican club Atlético de San Luis Rey said: “We regret the death of our former player and Captain Sergio Jáuregui, who defended the colours of our team in the last Torneo de los Soles.
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“We send our deepest condolences to his family.
“We appreciate how you defended our badge and left everything on the field match after match.
“For that reason, we will always carry you in our badge and heart.”
Images showed a forensic investigation unit on the pitch after the shooting as detectives combed the scene for evidence.
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Jáuregui played most of his professional career in Bolivia, earning 13 caps for his national team.
Born in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, he started playing professionally for Blooming in 2002.
He briefly transferred to Swiss team Yverdon-Sport FC in the second semester of 2005 on a loan.
Jáuregui returned to Bolivia the year after after making only three appearances for Yverdon.
In 2009, Jáuregui kicked former striker Leonardo Medina of Oriente Petrolero in the face during a league match and was given a red card.
Medina was rushed to hospital and Jauregui was banned from playing in Bolivia for nine months and charged with assault.
Authorities have launched an investigation into Jáuregui’s death.
No suspects have been arrested so far.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
