Millwall goalkeeper dies aged 26 as tributes pour in for former PL stopper
Millwall’s 26-year-old goalie Matija Sarkic has sadly passed away while away on international duty for his country.
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, Montenegro, while on international duty.
His friends immediately called for an ambulance but he died around 6:30am local time.
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Sarkic faced Belgium last week and was named man of the match after making an impressive nine saves in Montenegro’s 2-0 defeat. The goalkepeer 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.
(Image: Getty Images)
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.”
Tributes poured in for Sarkic, with one Birmingham fan saying: “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,” one Millwall fan 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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
A Stoke fan wrote: “Deepest condolences to his family and friends and all at Millwall.”
Another fan wrote under his last Instagram photo, a picture of him saving a shot in training, saying: “RIP Matija, only young and still had your whole career ahead of you!”
Another said: “What a tragedy, Matiya… I was so happy to see one of “our own” wearing the jersey of the club I follow… It’s scary what happened… May your soul rest in peace…”
