THE FOOTBALL world is in mourning after Millwall star Matija Sarkic’s tragic death.
The Championship side confirmed the shocking news this morning to supporters.
The eight-cap Montenegro star fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva, according to Montenegrin TV outlet RTCG.
Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.
He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.
Millwall announced that the 26-year-old had passed away, leading to a host of tributes to come in supporters of former clubs like Wolves, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Stoke as well as those in South London.
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His former Villa team-mate, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, 22, led them by posting: “RIP Matija Sarkic, shocking news to wake up to this morning.
“World such a cruel place sometimes, an amazing person and a great friend! Huge condolences to all his family and close ones.”
Millwall’s supporters club released a statement on X that read: “RIP Matija Sarkic.
“What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26.
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“Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall.
“Once a lion, always a lion.”
Stoke City community trust fundraising officer Steve Hunt wrote: “GUTTED to hear today ex stokie Matija Sarkic has passed away at 26 no age what so ever. Great lad thoughts with his family RIP.”
Paul Delves, vice-chairman of the Birmingham City official supporters club, posted: “Heartbreaking news this morning that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26.”
A fellow Birmingham fan said: “So sad. Was an amazing character on and off the pitch.“
Another message read: “This is tragic, at 26? He just started his life. All that grind to make it to professional football. My thoughts are with his family and friends. So sad. RIP.”
Sarkic was in Anderlecht’s academy in Belgian before he was snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.
The Grimsby-born goalie then signed for Wolves in 2020 and headed out on loan to the likes of Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke for further experience.
His displays on them eventually convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 32 appearances for the Lions.
But a statement from the club confirmed the horrible news this morning that their star had lost his life.
It read: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
“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 numerous occasions.
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“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
All you need to know about his career:
Clubs:
Aston Villa (2015-2020)
Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
LIvingston (Loan 2019/2020)
Wolves (2020-2023)
Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
Birmingham City (Loan 2021/22)
Stoke City (Loan 2023)
Millwall (2023/24)
Honours:
Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
International:
Montenegro (8 caps)
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
