Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic dies aged 26 as tributes pour in
Matija Sarkic made 33 appearances for Millwall
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Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26, the club has announced.
The Montenegrin joined from Wolves in August 2023 and made 33 appearances at The Den, as well as having been capped eight times by the Montenegrin national team.
He is reported to have become ill at an apartment in the town of Budva after being on international duty with the Balkan nation.
His friends immediately called for an ambulance but he died around 6.30am local time earlier this morning.
Matija Sarkic made 33 appearances for MilwallPAThe London club released a statement: "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.
"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.
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Sarkic signed for Millwall from Wolves
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"The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija's family is respected."
Sarkic was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, to Montenegrin parents.
He was a part of Belgian side Anderlecht's academy, before joining Aston Villa in 2015.
He was part of their under-21 side and went out on loan four times, failing to make any appearances for the Villains.
Sarkic was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, to Montenegrin parents
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In 2020 he was signed by Wolves, but went out on loan straight away to Shrewsbury Town in League One.
That was followed by loan spells at Birmingham City and Stoke City, before his transfer to Millwall last summer.
He made his debut for the Montenegrin senior team - after representing his nation at youth levels - in November 2019.
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