THE football world has been left stunned by the news that Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
Sarkic played for his country Montenegro last week in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium but was named his side's man of the match.
It's been reported by RTCG in Montenegro that Sarkic collapsed and fell ill while on holiday and died shortly after.
A Millwall statement 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.
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"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."
Who is Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, how did he die?
Sarkic began his career at Aston Villa before loan moves with Wigan and Stratford Town.
It was at Livingston in Scotland where he began to play first team football .
Wolves then signed Sarkic in 2020 before he moves on to Shrewsbury and Birmingham on loan.
But it was at Millwall and for his countey Montenegro where he made his biggest impact.
Last season he was the Lions' No 1 goalkeeper, making 33 appearances all in all.
He made 8 appearances for his country, including him recent friendlies.
Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.
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He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.