Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died after falling ill during international duty with Montenegro.
Reports indicate that Sarkic fell ill at an apartment in Budva, Montenegro, on Saturday morning and despite medical attention, he still fell to the cold hands of death.
Millwall Statement Over Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic’s Death
Following confirmation of the footballer’s death, Millwall have put out a heart-rending statement on their website which reads:
“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.”
The English side also requested that the privacy of Matija’s family be respected, as they shared their decision not to make any further comment on the matter.
Millwall wrote: “The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”
It has been said that Matija Sarkic passed away around 6:30 am local time, having recently played an entire game for Montenegro against Belgium on June 5, 2024.
Sarkic was born in Grimsby, on July 23, 1997, and he died on June 15, 2024, at the age of 26.
Matija Sarkic represented several well-known clubs before his demise, including; Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, and the youth teams of Champions League side Aston Villa.
Sarkic’s Career Stats
Matija made 172 club appearances during his career, keeping 63 clean sheets across all competitions.
Internationally, Matija Sarkic made 9 appearances for Montenegro, keeping 2 clean sheets.
Matija put up an impressive display in goal for Millwall during the 2023/24 season, amassing a commendable 12 clean sheets in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Condolences Flood Social Media Following Sarkic’s Death
The football world has reacted to the death of Matija Sarkic, with Chelsea replying to the post on X shared by Millwall with the words which read:
“Awful news. Deepest condolences from all at Chelsea FC. Our thoughts are with Matija’s family, friends, and everyone at Millwall.”
Liverpool also wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Such awful news. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Matija’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The governing body of European football, UEFA, also commented on X: “On behalf of European football, our deepest condolences go to Matija’s friends, family and everybody who knew him. Rest in peace, Matija.”
The English Premier League also wrote: “This is heartbreaking news. The Premier League is thinking of Matija’s friends and loved ones at this sad time.”
Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United amongst other top clubs and individuals also sent their condolences over the death of Matija Sarkic.
We at Futballnews likewise send our condolences to the family and loved ones of the late footballer.
Matija Sarkic’s Parents
The late footballer was born in England to an English mother and a Montenegrin father.
Matija Sarkic Siblings
The Millwall goalkeeper has a twin brother, Oliver, who plays for Montenegrin side FK Dečić.
Oliver Sarkic has in the past represented Leeds United, Burton Albion and Portuguese giants Benfica.
Moreover, he alongside his brother, Matija attended The British School of Brussels, having been raised in Belgium.
He also has another brother, whose name is Danilo Sarkic and he plays for Tempo Overijse,
Matija Sarkic’s jersey number
Matija Sarkic donned jersey number 20 at Millwall and his highest market value is €2 million, which was pegged to him on September 15, 2022.
Sarkic’s Net Worth And Salary
Before his demise, his net worth was said to be between the region of €1 million – €5 million and he earned about €15,000 per week.
