The Montenegro National Team will be without one of their key players as they head into the Euros this summer. Their number one, the man between the posts, has shockingly passed away during a trip to his home country, Montenegro. He was not only a keeper for his national team but has made appearances in League One and The Championship in England throughout his playing career.
What Happened to the Goalkeeper from Montenegro?
Matija Sarkic, the Montenegro goalkeeper and former player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, and Millwall, passed away during his most recent trip back home. At just 26 years old, Sarkic passed away while at his apartment in Budva Montenegro just yesterday.
Millwall started condolences and disbelief at the incident that has rocked the entire team and the country of Montenegro.
‘Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matjia’s family and friends and this immensely sad time.’
Former clubs, like Birmingham City, also released a statement for their prior player.
‘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 who knew him.’
Of course, when something happens so shocking like this, people will wonder – what happened? But, the club does not want to provide any more information out of respect to Matjia’s family, friends, and loved ones back at home. It doesn’t do the club any good to release information, or for fans or teammates to speculate on the sudden case of death for their former teammate and friend.
Matija’s Montenegro Career
Matija had a respectable career that was only on its way up. He was born in Grimsby, England, which spurred his ability to be able to play for any Premier League, Championship, or League One team with ease. However, he started his career at Anderlecht in the Netherlands for two years as a youth player before moving back to the UK and signing for Aston Villa.
During his time at Aston Villa, he received limited appearances in the league. So, to get more game time and build his confidence before returning to the Premier League, he had loan spells at Wigan Athletic, Stratford Town, Havant and Waterlooville, and Livingston. In 2020, he was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he then completed successful loan spells at Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City, both teams where he was the number one goalkeeper for the squad.
Most recently, he was sold to Millwall in 2023 where he has since made 32 appearances for the Championship club.
For his Montenegro National team, he made his final appearance for his country on June 5, 2024, in a friendly against Belgium. He was named the Man of the Match for his performance, including nine key saves throughout the game.
Fans and ex-teammates can only guess what happened to Sarkic. Did he fall ill? Had he been feeling unwell for the days leading up to his sudden death? Or did something happen in his apartment that night? The best thing to do is to just remember what a good and respectable player, teammate, and person he was.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
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