Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died aged 26 after reportedly falling ill days after playing for Montenegro.
Grimsby-born Sarkic is said to have become unwell in an apartment in the city of Budva after being on international duty.
Friends reportedly called an ambulance, but he was pronounced dead around 6:30 am local time on Saturday.
Millwall said in a statement: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
“Sarkic, the Lions’ No. 1 goalkeeper, has made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
“Matija, an international from Montenegro, proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.
“The club wishes to make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”
Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”
Sarkic worked at Aston Villa before joining Wolves in 2020. He spent most of his career on loan before signing for Millwall last summer.
He started Montenegro’s friendly against Belgium a week ago Thursday and made a series of saves in a 2-0 defeat.
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