Montenegrin international goalkeeper Matija Sarkic died unexpectedly at the age of 26, his club, Milwall FC, which plays in the Championship, the English D2, announced on Saturday morning.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this extremely sad time. The club will make no further comment at this time and requests that the privacy of Matija’s family be respected,” the club explained in its press release.
According to Montenegrin media, Sarkic felt unwell in his apartment in Budva, Montenegro. Called by friends, emergency services arrived to try to resuscitate him and found him dead around 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Born in England, Sarkic spent part of his youth in Belgium and notably played for around ten years in the Anderlecht youth teams.
At the age of 18, he joined Aston Villa who loaned him to various clubs in the lower divisions.
He then signed for Wolverhampton in 2020 before being loaned to Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City.
In August 2023, he signed with Millwall, playing 32 Championship matches and one FA Cup.
Sarkic played 9 matches for the Montenegro national team. The last against Belgium on June 5, during which he distinguished himself with several saves.
