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      in Boxing

      Amir Khan pays touching tribute to Willie Limond after first man to floor Brit as a pro tragically dies aged just 45

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      AMIR KHAN has paid a touching tribute to Willie Limond after his former opponent’s tragic death.The Scottish boxer, 45, died after succumbing to his condition following a suspected seizure.Scottish boxing star Willie Limond has died aged 45Credit: Kenny RamsayAmir Khan has posted a video to pay tribute to the late star on social mediaLimond was the first man to knock Khan down when they fought in 2007A host of other tributes have poured in from fighters and fans after the sad newsCredit: Scottish News and SportHe was was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge and was rushed to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie where he remained in a critical condition until passing away.Tributes flooded in for the popular Limond, who was due to fight Geordie Joe Laws in a comeback bout in Glasgow next month.One of the late star’s most famous battles in the ring came back in 2007 when he battled Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight title at London’s O2 Arena.The Englishman was a rising star then after winning silver at the Athens Olympic games and was aged only 20.READ MORE ON BOXINGLimond gave Khan an almighty scare when he knocked him down in the sixth round but he ultimately went on to lose by stoppage after suffering a broken jaw before the start of the ninth.Now Khan has posted a video on social media to pay tribute to his former rival upon learning of his sad passing.The now retired former unified light-welterweight world champion, 37, said: “My thoughts go out to his family.“If there’s anyway that I can help or support, please get in touch with me or the team.Most read in Boxing“It’s sad news for boxing. He was a great person and we met numerous times after we fought each other and like I said my thoughts are with his family and if there’s anyway that I can help then please let me know.“Our prayers go out there for Willie. We’ll keep him in our prayers. Rest in peace, champ.”Tribute to Willie Limond: A Scottish boxing legend passesEx-British title holder and former Sheffield United footballer Curtis Woodhouse, who Limond defeated for the title in 2014, had earlier revealed that he was “gutted”.He said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Willie Limond, a great fighter and a great man.“We stayed in touch after our fight and always had a laugh together. Absolutely gutted. Rest In Peace champ.”Another of Limond’s biggest bouts was against legendary Mexican fighter Erik Morales in front of 60,000 fans in Mexico City with the WBC silver super lightweight title on the line.He also took on the likes of Anthony Crolla and Tyrone Nurse in other high-profile bouts during the later years of his career. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Man City and Liverpool star Mario Balotelli almost choked to death after tomato ketchup blunder

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      MARIO BALOTELLI almost choked to death while on club duty – after confusing tomato ketchup with red-hot chili sauce.The former Manchester City and Liverpool madcap has figured in a series of crazy antics throughout his career.Mario Balotelli nearly choked to death after a mix-up involving tomato ketchupCredit: GettyAnd Balotelli’s one-time clubmate Florian Thauvin has now revealed the Italy striker made himself ill with an accidental overdose of harissa.The powerful North African condiment is made from fiery chilis, spices, herbs, seeds and oil.Ex-Newcastle winger Thauvin was with Marseille when Balotelli joined the Ligue 1 club in 2019.Thauvin, 31, recalled: “Mario Balotelli signed for Marseille.  We were on a pre-match training camp, and having a meal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At that time Adil Rami was at the club, and he always asked for there to be harissa on the table.”So the chef always used to put out a bowl of harissa for Adil.  Balotelli showed up.”It was his first pre-match camp with the club, and everything was new for him.”As the good Italian he is, he helped himself to pasta. He thought the harissa was tomato sauce.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He began plastering the harissa over his pasta – he took a big helping of it.”Us other players looked at one another, and thought: ‘That’s hot stuff – and he’s taken a lot of it.’Watch topless Balotelli throw his shirt at window on live stream then rage at streamer ‘aren’t you ashamed to say that?'”We thought he knew what he was doing.  We didn’t know him, so we felt he knew and that there was no problem.”Mario began to eat, but inside five minutes he was weeping and the sweat was pouring down his face.”All the players wished him welcome to the club.  We were crying with laughter – it was exceptional.”As the good Italian he is, he helped himself to pasta. He thought the harissa was tomato sauce.Thauvin on BalotelliBalotelli, 33, is now in his second spell with Turkish club Adana Demirspor.He won the Premier League with Manchester City after a £16million move from Inter Milan in 2010.However the striker fared less well at Liverpool, scoring just four goals in 28 games for the Reds.Capped 36 times, Balotelli has also played for AC Milan, Nice, Brescia, Monza and Swiss club Sion.Mario Balotelli’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Lumezzane, 2005-2006: 2 games, 0 goals

      Inter Milan, 2006-2010: 86 games, 28 goals

      Man City, 2010-2013: 80 games, 30 goals

      AC Milan, 2013-2014: 54 games, 30 goals

      Liverpool, 2014-2015: 28 games, 4 goals

      AC Milan, 2015-2016: 23 games, 3 goals

      Nice, 2016-2018: 76 games, 43 goals

      Marseille, 2018-2019: 15 games, 8 goals

      Brescia, 2019-2020: 19 games, 5 goals

      Monza, 2020-2021: 14 games, 6 goals

      Adana Demirspor, 2021-2022: 35 games, 19 goals

      Sion, 2023-2023: 19 games, 6 goals

      Adana Demirspor, 11 games, 7 goals

      Italy, 2010-2018: 36 games, 14 goals

      Trophies: Serie A x3, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); Premier League, FA Cup (Man City) More

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      in Motorsport

      Tragedy as racing team manager is killed after ‘fatal accident with truck’ ahead of Le Mans Cup

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      GERHARD FREUNDORFER has died following a fatal accident with his team truck.Tributes have flooded in for Freundorfer, who was team manager of Proton Huber Competition.The fatal incident occurred at Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaCredit: GettyThe fatal incident occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya earlier today.An official statement read: “The European Le Mans Series deeply regrets to have to report that on Tuesday 9 April 2024 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the 4 Hours of Barcelona event an incident occurred in the Michelin Le Mans Cup paddock.”In the morning during set up, Gerhard Freundorfer, Team Manager of Proton Huber Competition, was involved in a fatal accident with his team truck.”He was quickly attended by the circuit medical staff but, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.”READ MORE IN RACINGPaying tribute to Freundorfer, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management Frederic Lequien said: “On behalf of the whole endurance family I would like to extend all of our deepest condolences to the family of Gerhard Freundorfer, especially to his wife Karola, and the Proton Huber Competition team.”This is a very sad day for the endurance family.”Managing director of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Josep Lluis Santamaria added: “On behalf of the Circuit we deeply regret this accident and would like to extend our deepest condolences to Gerhard’s family, friends and the entire paddock of the European Le Mans Series.”While Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “This morning we woke to the news of the death of Gerhard Freundorfer, which has saddened everyone involved in endurance racing.Most read in Motorsport”Gerhard was a member of the endurance family, and he will be sadly missed by all.”I wish to extend the condolences of everyone at the ACO to Gerhard’s family and friends.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      in Soccer

      Joe Kinnear dead at 77: Iconic former Wimbledon and Newcastle manager passes away after long battle with dementia

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE manager Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77 following a battle with dementia.A statement from Kinnear’s family announced the sad news on Sunday evening.Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77Credit: PA:Press AssociationKinnear won five trophies as a player with TottenhamCredit: Times Newspapers LtdIt said: “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family.””Joe, who was 77, had been suffering from dementia having been diagnosed in 2015. “He will be remembered fondly by many – both as a player and a manager. “His Wimbledon team finishing sixth in the 1993-94 Premier League was a phenomenal achievement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKinnear became a legend playing for Tottenham between 1965 and 1975, where he made 258 appearances in all competitions.His trophy cabinet with Spurs includes the 1967 FA Cup, the 1972 Uefa Cup and the 1971 and 1973 League Cups as well as a shared 1967 Charity Shield.After leaving Spurs he joined Brighton, where he remained for one season. Kinnear, who played twice for the Ireland national team, hung up his boots in 1977 and moved into management where he had a stunning journeyman career. Most read in FootballJoe Kinnear’s football career

      JOE KINNEAR played for Tottenham between 1965-1975.
      He won the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and two League Cups in the glittering spell before a 12-month stint at Brighton.
      During his playing days he earned 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
      After retiring, he got his first coaching break as assistant manager in Dubai with Al-Shabab in 1983.
      Managerial spells at India and Nepal followed.
      He returned to England in 1989 when he was appointed caretaker manager of Doncaster Rovers.
      Kinnear’s longest manager stint came at Wimbledon in the days of the ‘Crazy Gang’ between 1992-1999.
      The Irishman led Wimbledon to one of their most successful seasons ever in 1997 when they reached the semi-finals of both domestic cups.
      He went on to manager Luton and Nottingham Forest before a controversial spell at Newcastle in 2008/09.
      Kinnear returned to the Toon as Director of Football in 2013/14 – his final year in football.

      He started out his managerial career with the India national team in 1983, managing 13 games.The Irishman then moved to Nepal in 1987 and guided them to being runners up in the South Asian games in the same year.Vinnie Jones and Gazza reunited 30 years on from THAT grab A move into club management would follow for him on an interim basis with Doncaster in 1989.He took charge of Wimbledon’s youth team later that year before taking the senior team job in 1992.His appointment proved to be a masterstroke as he took the Wimbledon “crazy gang” up to sixth in the 1993/94 Premier League season.The achievement earned him the 1994 Manager of the Year award and was voted manager of the month on three occasions.Kinnear had two spells at NewcastleCredit: PA:Press AssociationKinnear also managed Luton and Nottingham Forest but was best known for his time at WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – GettyWimbledon finished ninth in the following season and he would remain at the club as boss until 1999.Kinnear took up the reigns at Luton next, where he guided the team to promotion from what was then the second division.After leaving the Hatters he enjoyed managerial stints at Nottingham Forest in 2004 and Newcastle between 2008 and 2009.He would return to the Magpies as director of football in 2013.His two stints with Newcastle were marred by controversy.In 2008 Kinnear launched an explosive rant against journalists in which he swore 50 times in the first five minutes of the interview.His second spell on Tyneside saw him give an infamous interview on talkSPORT where he mispronounced a number of stars’ names.Kinnear resigned from his post at the in 2014.In 2021 it was announced that Kinnear had been living with dementia since 2015.Tributes poured in for Kinnear following the announcement. John Hartson, who Kinnear famously claimed he had signed on a free when he in fact had been a £7.5million buy for Toon, said: “Sad news hearing that my ex boss Joe Kinnear has passed away.. “My thoughts are with Joe’s wife Bonnie and the Kinnear family .. RIP Gaffer.”A Wimbledon statement said: “Everyone connected with Wimbledon was deeply saddened to hear the news that our former manager, Joe Kinnear, has passed away.”A true legend of the club, Joe gave us some amazing memories that we treasure. Our deepest condolences go to his family at this difficult time 🕊️”Crazy gang star Jason Euell said: “GAFFER 😔… Thank you for giving me my professional debut and playing a part in who I am today and who I was a player. Gone but never forgotten. Joe Kinnear – RIP.”Luton said: “We are saddened to learn that our former manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77. Our thoughts are with Joe’s friends and family at this time, Rest in Peace 🧡.”Lord Alan Sugar added: “Sad news Joe Kinnear has passed away R.I.P.”An EFL statement said: “The EFL is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear, a man who provided so many memories as a player and a manager.”Newcastle said: “Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear at the age of 77. Joe worked at the club as both manager and director of football.”The thoughts of everyone at #NUFC are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer club Tottenham said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Joe Kinnear. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”The official FA Cup account tweeted: “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear, who was part of the historic side to win the FA Cup in 1967 with Tottenham Hotspur. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.. but nothing is more important than life itself

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      “SOME people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much more important than that.”Those words from the great Bill Shankly have resonated over the years but without wishing to dilute his remarkable legacy, our own health and happiness does mean everything.Dortmund’s ex-West Ham ace Sebastien Haller announced he is cancer freeCredit: GettyWales star David Brooks is back to near his best after Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettyIt is, in truth, more important.Former West Ham star Sebastien Haller has just announced he is free from cancer after a long battle and, hopefully, he can continue to excel at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund and Ivory Coast.Just last month, 29-year-old  Haller scored the winner as his country beat Nigeria 2-1 in the  Africa Cup of Nations final.His illness just shows this can happen to kings, princesses, paupers as well as players.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIn the last few weeks, our own King and the Princess of Wales have bravely announced they are fighting cancer.Both can be assured the nation is backing them in their battle.They have shown class and composure in dealing with  the worst life  can throw at them and they are not alone. As well as Haller,  Bournemouth and Wales winger David Brooks is proof of what can be done.Now on loan at Southampton, the 26-year-old star has been cancer-free for nearly two years.Most read in FootballBrooks admitted football paled into insignificance when he fought back from stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.When he made his first-team comeback for the Cherries he was cheered to the rafters by both sets of supporters at Aston Villa.Sebastian Haller breaks down and fights back tears as he opens up on battle with testicular tumour at award ceremony Like Haller, Brooks is bouncing back and came on as a second-half sub this week as the Welsh went within a whisker of qualifying for this   summer’s Euros.Proving that cancer can strike  anyone, it even afflicted one of the modern-day greats, Arjen Robben.The flying Dutchman won accolades galore in the game but for the first time in his life football came second when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, having found a lump.That was 20 years ago.Mercifully, Robben, now 40, survived and went on to enjoy a stellar career at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning the league in all  three countries.At the time of his diagnosis, Robben said: “Football is no longer important.“The most important thing is to be healthy and for your family to  be healthy.”And so say all of us. In the women’s game, former Arsenal star Jen Beattie, 32, overcame breast cancer to enjoy a glittering career, while New Zealand’s 30-year-old Rebekah Stott successfully battled stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.But perhaps the most eye-catching has been Colombia’s 19-year-old  sensation Linda Caicedo, who lit up last summer’s World Cup just four years after overcoming ovarian cancer.Arjen Robben is another leading name to recover from cancerRebekah Stott successfully fought stage 3 Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettySadly, for every happy ending there is a tragic one and the cruel, early death of West Ham’s own Dylan Tombides is one of the saddest times I will ever experience at the club.Dylan fought to the very end but at the age of just 20, testicular cancer took his life.West Ham have only ever retired two shirts — and Dylan’s is one of them. The No 38 will never be worn.It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful young man, who died almost exactly ten years ago.The other shirt, of course, is No 6 and belongs to the great Bobby Moore.Testicular cancer first struck him two years before he led England to World Cup glory in 1966.Bobby heroically overcame that illness but cancer returned and, in 1993 and aged  just 51, we lost our national treasure.Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut more important than life itself? I don’t think so.As they say, health isn’t everything but without health, everything is nothing. More

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      in Soccer

      Larry Lloyd death updates — Nottingham Forest lead tributes as former England icon dies aged 75

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      FORMER Nottingham Forest and England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.The football icon spent five years at Liverpool before joining Forest and winning back-to-back European Cups.Paying tribute to the beloved defender, the Premier League side wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.”Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.”We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.”Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Fans pay tribute to Larry the ‘Big Man’
      Plenty of fans also rushed to pay tribute to four-cap former England international Lloyd.
      One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything you did for this club.”
      While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
      Copy linkCopiedWhat did Larry do after he retired from football?
      After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio, before spending many years in Spain and working as a pub landlord.
      Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s club and country caps
      Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
      Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
      Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
      Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
      Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
      England – Four caps
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s early career
      Lloyd began his career with hometown team Bristol Rovers, playing 43 times before signing for Liverpool in 1969.
      He played 214 times for the Reds over five years, winning the First Division and the Uefa Cup.
      Two years at Coventry followed, before he joined Clough’s revolution at Forest.
      Having been recommended by Cloughie’s former No2 Peter Taylor, Lloyd arrived at The City ground in a £60,000 deal.
      Copy linkCopiedTributes flood in for Larry
      Tributes have flooded in following the tragic news.
      One person wrote on X: “Sad to hear Larry Lloyd has died. He made around 50 appearances for the Sky Blues in the mid 70s, after moving from Liverpool.”
      A second added: “From turning out in the Bristol Downs League for Henbury Old Boys, to reaching the pinnacle of club football with Nottingham Forest, West Country boy Larry Lloyd’s story is stuff of fairytale #RIPLarry.”
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s life after football
      After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio.
      He went on to become a pub landlord in Spain.
      Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s career in pictures
      Larry Lloyd made history winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
      He also starred for Liverpool and England during his career.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: GETTY
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedEngland pays tribute
      The official England national team X page has paid tribute to Larry Lloyd.
      Taking to social media, the team wrote: “We are saddened to hear that Larry Lloyd, who won four caps for the #ThreeLions between 1971 and 1980, has passed away aged 75.
      “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

      Copy linkCopiedInside Lloyd’s legendary stint at Nottingham Forest
      Larry Lloyd joined a Nottingham Forest side languishing in the second tier of England football.
      Within three years, however, he was one of the “Miracle Men” who won the European Cup against Malmo in Munich.
      Alongside Kenny Burns and England icon Peter Shilton, Lloyd forged an almost impassable defence.
      Lloyd also starred alongside the likes of John McGovern, Viv Anderson, John Robertson Tony Woodcock in the final.
      Copy linkCopiedMore tributes flood in
      Fans have continued to flood social media with tributes to Nottingham Forest and England legend Larry Lloyd.
      One said: “Thanks for the memories Larry.”
      And another added: “Gutted. Massive part of the change from second-tier also-rans to champions of Europe. RIP Larry.”

      Copy linkCopiedLarry Lloyd’s career in numbers

      Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
      Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
      Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
      Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
      Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
      England – Four caps

      Honours: 

      Liverpool – First Division 1973, Uefa Cup – 1973
      Nottingham Forest – European Cup 1979, 1980. League Cup – 1978, 1979, Super Cup – 1979

      Copy linkCopiedHeartbroken fans share tributes
      Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Larry Lloyd.
      One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything u did for this club.”
      While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest pays tribute
      In a statement, Nottingham Forest wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.
      “Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.
      “We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.
      “Rest in peace, Larry.”
      Credit: REX
      Copy linkCopiedFormer England star dies aged 75
      Former England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.
      The defender starred for Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, winning back-to-back European cups during his career.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Top footballer aged just 24 dies from heart failure after collapsing in training as club pays heartfelt tribute

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      COLOMBIAN footballer Guillermo Beltran has tragically died aged 24 after collapsing in training.The Real Santa Cruz striker complained of dizziness and nausea before falling to the floor on Friday.Real Santa Cruz star Guillermo Beltran has tragically died aged 24Credit: REAL SANTA CRUZReal Santa Cruz paid tribute to their late player with a heartfelt Instagram videoCredit: Instagram / @club_realsantacruz INSTAGAM@CLUB_REALSANTACRUZClub staff desperately tried to resuscitate the forward and promptly called an ambulance after their efforts to rouse him failed. But he tragically passed away as he was being transported to the hospital.Bolivian side Real Santa Cruz announced his passing in a statement on their social media pages.It read: “Today, at 7:30 p.m., we say goodbye to our beloved player, Guillermo Denis Beltran, at the Real Santa Cruz Club headquarters.”We extend a cordial invitation to all realistic fans to join us for our final goodbye and say goodbye to our player, who left an indelible mark on our hearts and on the history of our club.”We thank you in advance for your presence and expressions of affection at this difficult time for all of us.”In another statement, the club said of Beltran: “He was much more than a talented player: he was a friend. “A teammate and an inspiration to many. Most read in FootballReal Santa Cruz confirmed Beltran’s passing in a heartfelt statementCredit: REAL SANTA CRUZ”His passion for the game and his tireless spirit will continue to be remembered and valued forever.”Real Santa Cruz director Adolfo Soria Galvarro said of the tragedy: “He was training as usual and then he collapsed.Former Turkish footballer Ersen Martin has tragically passed away aged 44″They tried to resuscitate him but he died as he was being moved to a clinic.”Real Santa Cruz posted a touching video tribute to their late player on social media, with the accompanying caption reading: “Fly high, dear friend.”Scores of fans commented, with one saying: “How sad, may the Lord give strength to his family.”Another said: “Fly high.”And another said: “Lots of strength for your family and friends, it’s a shame.”One remarked: “God give you eternal light.”Another chimed in: “What a great talent that left us, God, I have you in his glory, champion.”Bolivian Football Federation president Fernando Costa also paid tribute to the late Beltran and has vowed to launch a full investigation into his passing.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Bolivian national team paid their respects to Beltran on Friday night with a minute’s silence before their FIFA Series match with Algeria.Beltran – who joined Real Santa Cruz last year from Paraguayan side Rubio Nu – began his career with Atletico Nacional.Bolivia and Algeria paid tribute to the late Beltran with a minute’s silence before their matchCredit: GETTY More

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      in Soccer

      Ersen Martin dead at 44: Former striker passes away two years after being left ‘fighting for life’ as Turkey pay tribute

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      FORMER Turkish international Ersen Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 44.The ex-striker, who came through at Nuremberg before he went on to play for Besiktas and Trabzonspor, retired from football in 2013.Ersen Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 44Credit: ReutersMartin, right, played three times for the Turkey national teamCredit: AlamyHe hung up his boots with three caps for his country – which came between 2004 and 2006.He is understood to have suffered a ruptured aorta in 2022 which saw him hospitalised.Now, after receiving lengthy treatment, he has sadly died.His ex-club Trabzonspor paid tribute to their former player, saying: “We have learned with deep sadness the news that our former football player Ersen Martin has passed away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin who lost his life; We offer our condolences to his family, loved ones and community.”And Besiktas said: “We have learned with deep sadness that our former football player Ersen Martin has passed away.”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin, we offer our condolences to his family, relatives and the Turkish sports community.”Reports from Turkey claim he was intubated in hospital on March 10, before he passed away in the facility.Most read in FootballFanatik claimed the huge costs at the Istanbul Siyami Ersek Heart Hospital led to Martin’s family reaching out for financial support prior to his death.Last year, an anonymous friend said: “We support as much as we can, but only up to a certain point… We expect at least his former clubs to lend a helping hand.”Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiMartin also had a friendship with Galatasaray’s current head coach Okan Buruk.The pair had chatted and spent time together at games following Martin’s aortic rupture in 2022.And Galatasaray paid tribute to the player following his death, despite him never having played for the club.They wrote: “We have learned with deep sadness the news of the death of former national football player Ersen Martin.”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin, and we offer our condolences to his grieving family, loved ones and the Turkish football community.”Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Askin Bak, was another to leave a kind message.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I learned with great sadness the death of Ersen Martin, the popular name of our country’s football and who also played for our national team.”Martin finished his club career having played for 13 clubs, scoring 101 goals and providing 28 assists in 375 games.Martin had been admitted to hospital earlier this monthCredit: Alamy More