Matija Sarkic, goalkeeper from Millwall, Montenegro, has died at the age of 26

Millwall and Montenegro have confirmed that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died on Saturday, at the age of 26.

Sarkic fell ill in his home country while on international duty. Montenegrin daily Vejesti reported that Sarkic died in an apartment in Budva early in the morning.

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

He added: “The club will not make any further comment at this time and requests that the privacy of Mattia’s family be respected.”

“Dear Matija, we will miss you and your cheerful spirit, your work ethic and your amazing defence,” the Montenegrin Football Association said in a statement, describing Sarkic as “an always smiling man.”

UEFA said in a statement: “On behalf of European football, we offer our deepest condolences to Mattia’s friends, family and everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Mattia.”

Sarkic stopped nine shots during Montenegro’s 2-0 loss to Belgium in a friendly match on Wednesday, and was named player of the match for his outstanding performance.

Sarkic was born in Grimsby, England, and played for Aston Villa and Belgium’s Anderlecht at youth level. He made 33 appearances for Millwall after joining in August 2023 from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.