Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic passes away at age of 26

Matija Sarkic has shockingly passed away at the age of 26. The Millwall goalkeeper is a well-known name in the English football circuit as he has represented clubs like Aston Villa, Wolves, Birmingham City, and Stoke City. The Grimsby-born keeper began his career in Anderlecht's academy before joining Aston Villa in 2015. As per reports, he became ill at an apartment in the town of Budva after being on international duty.

Despite his friends giving a quick call for an ambulance, he passed away on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. local time. Before moving on loan to Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and Stoke, he featured in 60 games and also made 33 appearances for Millwall in August of last year. 

Sarkic, who made his Montenegro debut in 2019 against Belarus, started last Thursday's 2-0 friendly loss to Belgium and was awarded man of the match for his outstanding nine saves. Before making a permanent move to Wolves in 2020, he had loan stints with Wigan, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville, and Livingston.

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.

Football left heartbroken after goalkeeper dies

Millwall F.C. stated, "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."

The FSCG described Sarkic as a "beloved member" of the squad and an "eternally smiling guy". "His untimely death has caused great pain to the Sarkic family," it added. Millwall said they were "completely devastated"."Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija's family and friends at this immensely sad time."