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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Sarkic fell ill in the week</li><li>Was away with Montenegro when he passed</li><li>Clubs, players and fans left devastated</li></ul>

Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic dies aged 26 while away on international duty with Montenegro as tributes pour in

The passing of the Championship goalkeeper has sent a shockwave across the world of football after appearing for several English clubs during his career. Sarkic fell ill while with his friends at an apartment in Budva, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful. He was in action for his country just over a week ago against Belgium.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Millwall released a statement following the news and expressed their devastation at the incident. A post on their website read: "Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.&nbsp;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."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillwallFC/status/1801888943987704251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT MILLWALL SAID

Tributes have been pouring in from a number of Sarkic's former clubs. <a href="https://x.com/BCFC/status/1801895091235090689" target="_blank">Birmingham City said</a>: "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."<a href="https://x.com/academyavfc/status/1801879474067194067" target="_blank">The Villa Academy page posted</a> a heartwarming message for their ex-stopper, adding: "Difficult to put the news of this morning into words. Former Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace, Mati. You and your family are in our thoughts. 💜"<a href="https://x.com/TheMillwallFans/status/1801883743608578354" target="_blank">Millwall's official supporters club were also saddened</a> to hear of his death, saying: "🖤 RIP Matija Sarkic 🖤 What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion 🦁"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The world of football will mourn the tragic loss of a top athlete and person. Millwall will be keen to pay tribute to their goalkeeper further with fans of the club when they return from the summer break.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">R.I.P Matija Sarkic was only with us for a season but was a great player and got to speak to him at the player awards that season and he was a great guy, loved the fact we turned up with about 10 Montenegro flags behind his goal at cov away. always a blue 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/We48PqnqKd">pic.twitter.com/We48PqnqKd</a>— Jack 💙🏆 (@jackil3s) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackil3s/status/1801886367187702117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT NEXT?

Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic dies aged 26 while away on international duty with Montenegro as tributes pour in | Goal.com

Millwall and Montenergo goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died at the age of 26.