Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic dies aged 26 as tributes pour in for shot-stopper

Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26 after falling ill.

Sarkic is reported to have become ill at an apartment in the Montenegrin town of Budva while away on international duty. His friends are said to have immediately called for an ambulance but he died around 6:30am local time on Saturday.

The Grimsby-born Montenegro international played for several English clubs including Aston Villa, Wolves, Birmingham City and Stoke City.

Sarkic started for Montenegro against Belgium last Thursday and was named man of the match after making nine saves in a 2-0 loss.

He had spent time in Anderlecht's academy as a teenager before joining Villa.

Sarkic's five-years at Villa Park included loan spells at Wigan Atheltic, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Livingston, before a permanent transfer to Wolves in 2020.

At Molineux, as at Villa Sarkic didn't make a first-team appearance, but was loaned to Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham and Stoke before Millwall signed him last summer.

At Millwall Sarkic made 32 Championship appearances last term, conceding 34 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.

Sarkic was awarded the man of the match award in a friendly against Belgium last week (Getty)

Millwall Supporters' Club posted on X: "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."

Fans on social media were quick to respond to the news, with a Birmingham fan saying: "Heartbreaking news this morning that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace."

"I'm absolutely speechless reading the news," one Millwall fan added. "RIP Matija Sarkic."

Another said: "Unbelievably sad news this morning regarding Matija Sarkic, 26 is no age. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time."

A Stoke fan wrote: "Deepest condolences to his family and friends and all at Millwall." A second said: "RIP Matija Sarkic. A really humble man taken too soon."