Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26.
Sarkic, a Montenegro international, joined the Championship club from Wolves in August 2023 and made 33 appearances last season.
He last played for his country in a 2-0 friendly defeat by Belgium on 5 June.
The Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) said Sarkic had died suddenly on Saturday morning, with local media reporting he collapsed at his apartment in Budva.
The FSCG described Sarkic as a “beloved member” of the squad and an “eternally smiling guy”.
“His untimely death has caused great pain to the Sarkic family,” it added.
Millwall said they were “completely devastated”.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time,” they said.
Sarkic, who was born in Grimsby, played youth-team football for Belgian side Anderlecht before joining Aston Villa.
He had loan spells with Wigan, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Livingston before a permanent move to Wolves in 2020.
Loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City followed before his move to Millwall.
