FORMER Rangers and Leeds star Marius Zaliukas has tragically died at the age of just 36, just 11 days before his birthday.
The shock news was revealed by his wife Nora Zaliuke and the Lithuanian Football Federation.
Former Leeds and Rangers star Marius Zaliukas has passed away at the age of just 36Credit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
According to the Daily Record, Zaliukas’ wife posted on social media: “He will rest peacefully in eternal silence.
“The heart of Marius Zaliukas stopped beating today.”
And the Lithuanian Football Federation also released their own statement.
The Lithuanian, pictured playing for Hearts, then decided to try his luck at Leeds – but only stayed for one season in YorkshireCredit: PA:Press Association
It read: “Marius Zaliukas, a long-term defender of the national team and the legendary Lithuanian footballer, has died. The footballer was just 36 years old.
“Zaliukas represented the Lithuanian national team from 2006 to 2016 and managed to score one goal.
“Marius inspired countless young footballers, and his contribution to Lithuanian football will never be forgotten.
“During his excellent career, the player represented FBK Kaunas, Kauno Inkaro, Silute, Hearts, Rangers, Leeds United and Vilnius Zalgiris.
“On behalf of the Lithuanian football community, we express our deepest condolences to Marius’ family.”
Leeds also posted a tribute on Twitter, showing the footballer in their club shirt.
The Premier League side wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with the friends and family of former defender Marius Zaliukas who has sadly passed away at 36.”
Rangers also posted a tribute, writing: “Rangers are tonight shocked and saddened to hear of the death of former player Marius Zaliukas at the age of just 36.
“The thoughts of the directors, management and players of Rangers are with Marius’ family at this sad and difficult time.”
According to website 15min, Zaliukas had been battling an unnamed condition.
Zaliukas’s football career in Britain started back in 2006 when he joined Scottish side Hearts on loan from FBK Kaunas.
Zaliukas joined Rangers from Leeds – his second Scottish clubCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
He joined the Jambos on a permanent deal the following season and went on to make 158 appearances for them before joining Leeds in 2013.
But his time with the Yorkshiremen wasn’t as fruitful and after 15 games and one season, he left to join Rangers.
After one season with the Ibrox outfit he left to join Zalgiris, his last club.
There will be a memorial service on November 4.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
