Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died aged 26.
The Montenegro international last played on June 5, in a friendly against Belgium where he impressed in a 2-0 defeat. He won nine caps for his country after making his debut in November 2019.
He joined Millwall from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023, going on to establish himself as the Championship club’s number one.
He kept 12 clean sheets in 33 games in 2023-24, helping his side finish 13th in the Championship.
Millwall confirmed the news in a statement which read: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
“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.”
Sarkic came through the Anderlecht youth academy, before first moving to England in 2015 joining Aston Villa’s youth side.
He went on to represent the likes of Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City, Stoke City, Shrewsbury Town and Livingston in Scotland.
Birmingham said: “Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him.”
GO DEEPER
Matija Sarkic: His extraordinary journey across Europe to starting for Wolves
(Graham Chadwick/Getty Images)
