MILLWALL goalkeeper Matija Šarkić died tragically at the age of 26.
The Montenegrin star with eight appearances allegedly fell ill while he was on international duty in the city of Budva.
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Matija Šarkić was Millwall’s number 1 goalkeeper Credits: PA
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The Montenegrin star had a bright future for club and country Credit: Getty
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Šarkić was named man of the match in the last two matches Credit: Getty
Montenegrin state TV station RTCG reports that Šarkić went for a walk with friends, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment earlier.
He is believed to have told friends he was unwell after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance, but it was too late.
Millwall confirmed the sad news with a statement that reads: “Millwall football club is completely devastated by the announcement that Matija Šarkić died at the age of 26.
“Sharkic, The Lions’ first-choice goalkeeper, has made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
“Matija, a member of the Montenegrin national team, has proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.
“Everyone at the club expresses their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends in this extremely sad moment.
“The club will not make further comments at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family be respected.”
The Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X: “Terrible news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Šarkic has passed away aged 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”
“Terrible news RIP Matij,” commented one fan.
Another added: “Absolutely shocking news and at such a young age what a huge loss for his family and the football family.”
A third posted: “RIP Matias from the Birmingham fans. Great keeper, great guy. Such awful news.”
Sarkic was named man of the match in his final appearance for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat by Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium.
The talented No.1 was also honored in Millwall’s final game of the season – a 1-0 win over Swansea.
His father Bojan Šarkić is a Montenegrin diplomat, and his twin brother Oliver is also a soccer player.
The offensive midfielder plays for the Montenegrin team Dečić, and went through the academies of Anderlecht and Benfica.
RIP Matija Šarkić was only with us for one season but he was a great player and we got to speak to him at the player awards that season and he was a great guy, I loved the fact that we turned up with about 10 Montenegrin flags behind his bare on cov far away. always blue 🔵#BCFC #MFC pic.twitter.com/We48PqnqKd
— Jack 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@jackil3s) June 15, 2024
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Matija Šarkić played for several clubs in EnglandCredit: Getty
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The guard was a popular figure Credit: Getty
Matija also started his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.
The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and has found form on loan at Shrewsbury, Birmingham – where he was named player of the season in 2022 – and Stoke.
That convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions, who won five games in a row and finished the season in 13th place in the Championship.
Sarkić was showered with honors from the football world.
Aston Villa announced on X: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by the news of the death of our former goalkeeper Matija Šarkić.
“Matija joined our academy in 2015 and spent five years at the club, during which he made his debut for the national team of Montenegro, before leaving in the summer of 2020.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
The Premier League’s official account added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Matia’s family and friends and everyone associated with the club.”
Matija Šarkić’s career statistics
Millwall: 33 games, 12 clean sheets
Shrewsbury: 29 games, 11 clean sheets
Birmingham: 23 games, 10 clean sheets
Livingston: 18 games, nine clean sheets
Stoke: Eight games, three clean sheets
Wigan: Three games
Havant & Waterlooville: One game
Gillingham posted on X: “Everyone at Gillingham Football Club would like to express their thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Matija Šarkic, who has passed away suddenly at the age of 26.
“We send our thoughts and condolences to everyone associated with FC Millwall at this very difficult time.”
Gills goalkeeping coach Deren Ibrahim added: Heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. Thoughts with everyone associated with FC Millwall. From one goalkeeping department to another, Matija will be a big loss.”
Fabrizio Romano announced: “Heartbreaking news that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Šarkic has tragically passed away, at the age of 26. In my thoughts with the family… rest in peace, Matija.”
And former club Birmingham wrote: “Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened by the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Šarkić, has passed away at the age of 26.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those who knew him.”
MATIJA SARKIĆ
Everything you need to know about his career:
Clubs:
Aston Villa (2015-2020)
Wigan (loan 2017/2018)
Stratford Town (loan 2018/2019)
Havant & Waterlooville (2019 loan)
Livingston (loan 2019/2020)
Wolves (2020-2023)
Shrewsbury (2020/21 loan)
Birmingham (loan 2021/22)
Stoke (2023 loan)
Millwall (2023/24)
Honors:
Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
International: Montenegro (8 matches)
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education