Matija Sarkic dead aged 26: Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper tragically dies after ‘short illness’

MILLWALL goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away aged just 26.

The eight-cap Montenegro star fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva, according to Montenegrin TV outlet RTCG.

PAMatija Sarkic was Millwall’s No1 keeper[/caption]

GettyThe Montenegro star had a bright future for club and country[/caption]

GettySarkic was a regular in goal for Millwall[/caption]

Millwall confirmed the news in a statement, which read: “Millwall football club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.

“Sarkic, The Lions’ No1 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 club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”

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.”

“Awful news RIP Matij,” commented one fan.

Another added: “Absolutely shocking news, and so young what a huge loss to his family and the football family.”

A third posted: “RIP Matija from a Birmingham fan. Great keeper, great bloke. Such awful news.”

Sarkic was named man of the match in his last outing for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium.

He began his career in Anderlecht‘s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.

The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and found form in loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham 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 to end the season 13th in the Championship.

GettyMatija Sarkic played for several clubs in England[/caption]

GettyThe keeper was a popular figure[/caption]