Matija Sarkic, young goalkeeper dies at age 26

Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic of Millwall and Montenegro passed away on Saturday at the age of 26, the Championship club said.

Sarkic, born in Grimsby, England was a junior player for Aston Villa and Anderlecht in Belgium. After joining Millwall in August 2023 from Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers, he made 33 appearances for the club.

In a friendly match last Wednesday, Montenegro lost 2-0 to Belgium. Sarkic was chosen man of the match for his superb performance, making nine saves.

Sarkic had been working abroad when he became unwell in his home country. According to the daily newspaper Vijesti in Montenegro, Sarkic passed away early in the morning in a flat in Budva.

“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time,” Millwall said in a statement.

“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”

“Our dear Matija, we will miss you and your cheerful spirit, your work ethic and your great defending,” the Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) said in a statement, describing Sarkic as an “always smiling guy”.

“On behalf of European football, our deepest condolences go to Matija’s friends, family and everybody who knew him. Rest in peace, Matija,” governing body UEFA said in a statement.

(Source: Reuters)