Matija Sarkic dead aged 26: Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper tragically dies after ‘short illness’

MILLWALL goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away aged just 26.

The nine-cap Montenegro star reportedly fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva.

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 confirmed the sad news in a statement, which read: “Millwall football club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.

“Sarkic, The Lions’ No1 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.

“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.”

Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X: “What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”

“Awful news RIP Matij,” commented one fan.

Another added: “Absolutely shocking news, and so young what a huge loss to his family and the football family.”

A third posted: “RIP Matija from a Birmingham fan. Great keeper, great bloke. Such awful news.”

Sarkic was named man of the match in his last outing for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium.

The talented No1 was also handed the honour in Millwall’s final game of the season – a 1-0 win over Swansea.

His father Bojan Sarkic is a Montenegrin diplomat and his twin brother Oliver is also a footballer.

The attacking midfielder plays for Montenegro outfit Decic having come through Anderlecht and Benfica’s academies.

Matija also began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.

The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and found form in loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham – where he was named Player of the Season in 2022 – and Stoke.

That convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions, who won five games in a row to end the season 13th in the Championship.

Tributes have flooded in for Sarkic from the football world.

Aston Villa posted on X: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

“Matija joined our academy in 2015 and spent five years with the club, during which time he made his full international debut for Montenegro, before departing in the summer of 2020.

“The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

The Premier League’s official account added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Matija’s family and friends, and everyone associated with the club.”

Gillingham posted on X: “Everyone at Gillingham football club would like to send their thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Matija Sarkic, who has suddenly passed away at the age of 26.

“We extend our thoughts and condolences to everyone associated with Millwall FC at this very difficult time.”

Gills goalkeeping coach Deren Ibrahim added: Heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. Thoughts with everyone associated with Millwall FC . From one goalkeeping department to another Matija will be a huge loss.”

Fabrizio Romano posted: “Heartbreaking news that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away, aged 26. Thoughts with family… rest in peace, Matija.”

And former club Birmingham wrote: “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.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk