Yahoo News Stoke City lead tributes to tragic goalkeeper Matija Sarkic
Stoke City have paid tribute to goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who has died at the age of 26.
Sarkic showed glimpses of his potential during a half-season stay with Stoke on loan in 2023 and was expected to return on a permanent basis that summer. In the end, he instead joined Millwall - starring against Stoke with two clean sheets last season - pulling the club to safety in the Championship and establishing himself as Montenegro number one.
It is in Montenegro, in the town of Budva, where he has died this morning, shocking the football world.
A statement from Stoke City said: "Stoke City Football Club is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Club’s former goalkeeper Matija Šarkić at the tragically young age of 26.
"A Montenegrin international, Matija joined the Potters on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023 and featured in eight matches prior to his return to Molineux and subsequent transfer to Millwall last summer.
"The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with Stoke City are with Matija’s family and friends at this sad time. Our support and sympathy is extended to Millwall Football Club and the Montenegrin national team, together with all those in football that have counted Matija as a teammate, colleague and friend."
Fellow clubs have paid their own tributes.
Millwall said in a statement: "Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. 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.
"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."
Aston Villa, where he had been in their youth team, said: "Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of our former goalkeeper Matija Šarkić. Matija joined our Academy in 2015 and spent five years with the club, during which time he made his full international debut for Montenegro, before departing in the summer of 2020.
"The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Birmingham, where Sarkic had been on loan before joining Stoke, said: "Birmingham City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Matija Sarkic.
"The Montenegrin goalkeeper represented Blues during the 2021/22 season, joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He played 23 times for the club, and despite the last of these appearances coming on New Year’s Day, his performances and character earned him the Men’s Supporters' Player of the Season Award.
"Rest in peace, Matija Sarkic."
