Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, has died.
Izquierdo was playing for Nacional in their Round of 16 Copa Libertadores clash against Brazilian giants Sao Paulo when tragedy struck last week. The defender collapsed in the second leg at the MorumBIS Stadium in Brazil on August 22.
He had suffered “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” in the 84th minute of the match, and Izquierdo was rushed to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo where he was put on ventilator and neurological critical care.
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Uruguay’s domestic leagues postponed their games at the weekend, while Sao Paulo sent their well-wishes to the defender during their win over Vitoria in the Brazilian top flight on Sunday.
However, Nacional have now confirmed that Izqueirdo has sadly passed away. A statement read: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss. RIP Juan, you will be with us forever.”
Sao Paulo called it a “sad day for football”, while Uruguayan legend, and ex-Manchester United star Diego Forlan, said: “How sad. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Izquierdo spent almost all of his club career in his homeland, playing for sides including Penarol, Montevideo Wanderers and Liverpool FC. His one stint away from Uruguay came in the form of short spell with Mexican side Atletico de San Luis.
He was in his second stint with Nacional, having made one appearance for the side in 2022, making 22 appearances for them this season.