Millwall goalkeeper dies aged 26 as tributes pour in for Matija Sarkic
Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died at the age of 26 after falling ill.
The Grimsby-born Montenegro international - who played for a string of British clubs including Aston Villa, Wolves, Birmingham City and Stoke City - is reported to have become ill at an apartment in the town of Budva after being on international duty. His friends immediately called for an ambulance but he died around 6:30am local time on Saturday.
Sarkic started Montenegro's 2-0 friendly defeat to Belgium last Thursday and was named man of the match after making an impressive nine saves. The goalkeeper spent time in Belgian giants Anderlecht's academy as a youngster before joining Villa. His five-year spell saw him loaned to Wigan Atheltic, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Livingston. Sarkic moved to Wolves in 2020 but like at Villa didn't make a first-team appearance.
He then had loan spells with Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City before Millwall signed him on a permanent basis last summer for an undisclosed fee, handing him a long-term contract. Sarkic made 33 appearances in the season just gone.
Milwall confirmed his passing 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' 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. 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."
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Matija Sarkic of Millwall looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Millwall at St Andrews (stadium) on September 02, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Graham Chadwick/Getty Images)
Tributes continued to pour in for Sarkic, with one Birmingham City fan posting: "Heartbreaking news this morning that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace." "I'm absolutely speechless reading the news," a Millwall supporter also posted. "RIP Matija Sarkic."
Another said: "Unbelievably sad news this morning regarding Matija Sarkic, 26 is no age. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time." A Stoke fan wrote: "Deepest condolences to his family and friends and all at Millwall." A second added: "RIP Matija Sarkic. A really humble man taken too soon."
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