Matija Sarkic: Premier League ref shares brilliant story after keeper's tragic death at 26

Former Premier League referee Bobby Madley has shared a memorable story about Matija Sarkic following the Millwall goalkeeper's tragic death.

Sarkic, 26, was taken ill while in Budva, Montenegro and died on Saturday morning. The British-born stopper had been on international duty in the country, which he qualified to represent through his father.

Tributes have been pouring in for the goalkeeper, who began his career in Aston Villa's academy. Sarkic also had a spell with Premier League side Wolves, for whom he made several cup appearances.

He also won nine senior caps for Montenegro, who he represented all the way from under-17 up to senior level. And it was during an under-19s game when he had a great laugh at Madley's expense.

"I met Matija in 2016 when refereeing my first U19 Euros qualifying game between Montenegro and France," Madley, who has officiated in the Premier League and EFL, wrote on social media. "Matija was the captain which, as a goalkeeper, isn't always the easiest for a referee.

"Standing in the tunnel before the game Matija came down and shook hands. Given that my grasp of the Montenegrin language wasn't the best, in a shocking broken English accent I tried to explain to Matija with many hand gestures and ridiculous facial expressions that as a captain and goalkeeper it would be hard to work with him.

"My question of 'Is there player in team, speak English, maybe can speak with me if problem today?' was met with a blank look from Matija. I tried again with even worse broken English and the stone look remained on his face."

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Bobby Madley refereeing in 2023

"I was defeated," Madley continued. "I looked at Matija and said clearly I'm wasting my time and getting nowhere. Matija half smiled. He replied in a strong Balkan accent, 'Nine. Speak English him'.

"Delighted and very proud of myself I replied 'Ah you understand English little. This is good. He speak good English?' Matija smiled and replied... 'Yeah, it's not bad, it's my brother Oliver, we're from Grimsby...I just wanted to see how long you'd carry that nonsense on'. He'd done me like a kipper."

Fans on social media loved the story. "RIP king you absolutely did him," wrote one, with another saying: "What a lovely story amid so much sadness".

Matija Sarkic playing for Montenegro

Sarkic's brother Oliver, who plays his club football in Montenegro, shared a message of his own on social media on Saturday. "Thank you everyone for the love and support shown to Matija and our family," he began.

"Really shows the amazing person he was. I wish he was still here with us I but couldn’t be more proud to say he was my twin brother. Life won’t be the same without you. Rest in peace, we love you."

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs also paid tribute. “He was a wonderful goalkeeper, but as a person – first and foremost – he was loved by everyone," Hobbs said. "Mati was such a popular guy around the club and always had a smile on his face. He worked hard, and he was so personable, so polite and friendly to every member of staff at Compton."

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