Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo dies aged 27 after collapsing on pitch during Copa Libertadores game
Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch during their Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo
REUTERS
Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has died at the age of 27 after he collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match.
The defender was rushed to hospital after the incident last week where he suffered an irregular heartbeat.
The hospital released a statement after his arrival that Izquierdo had '“cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia'.
He was placed on a ventilator on Sunday and was placed under neurological care the following day.
Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch during their Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo
REUTERS
Nacional have now announced the tragic news that Izquierdo passed away in hospital.
"It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," the statement read.
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"We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
"All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss.
"RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever."
Uruguay football icon Luis Suarez spoke of his 'sadness' with a post on social media.
"Pain, sadness, difficult to explain," he said.
"May you rest in peace and lots of strength for your family and friends."
Juan Izquierdo was placed on a ventilator on Sunday
GETTY
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said: "South American football is in mourning."
Sao Paulo paid tribute to Izquierdo before their Copa Libertadores match against Vitoria on Sunday by wearing jerseys with the Nacional star's name on.
They called his death a 'sad day for football' after news of Izquierdo's passing.
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Juan Izquierdo joined Nacional in January this year
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Their statement read: "We live days of prayers, unity and hope, and today we are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Juan Izquierdo, an athlete from @Nacional.
"Our condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, Nacional fans and all the Uruguayan people at this time of grief. A sad day for football.
"Rest in peace, Juan."