Millwall boss pays tribute to 'radiant' Sarkic

Millwall head Neil Harris has paid an affectional tribute to Matija Sarkic pursuing nan goalkeeper's decease astatine nan property of 26.

Sarkic, a Montenegro international, joined nan Championship nine from Wolves successful August 2023 and made 33 appearances past season.

The Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) said Sarkic died suddenly connected Saturday morning, pinch section media reporting he collapsed astatine his flat successful Budva.

"I was pinch him past Thursday astatine nan training crushed and he had a immense grin connected his look and was truthful excited astir going to spot his family successful Montenegro - he was radiant," said Harris.

"Every time he came successful pinch a grin connected his look and conscionable wanted to beryllium better. He was very driven and had precocious aspirations for himself.

"I can't praise him highly capable arsenic a quality being and besides arsenic a professional. He loved nan crippled and loved his job.

"It's nary astonishment erstwhile you publication group talking truthful fondly of him. They talk astir his twinkling grin and his quality and his goodwill."

Sarkic past played for his state successful a 2-0 friends conclusion by Belgium connected 5 June.

The FSCG described him arsenic a "beloved member" of nan nationalist squad and an "eternally smiling guy".

"You tin ne'er ideate nan devastation successful nan infinitesimal that you find retired that specified a bully man astatine specified a tender property has mislaid his life," Harris said successful an question and reply pinch nan nine website, external.

"What makes it very affectional for maine is that I person a 22-year-old boy myself and Mati was evidently only a fewer years older.

"First thoughts person to spell pinch his parents and his brothers - he was a awesome boy and awesome relative that was a really caring, bully man.

"It's devastating news for nan family and for our shot club."

Sarkic, who was calved successful Grimsby, played younker squad shot for Belgian broadside Anderlecht earlier joining Aston Villa.

He had indebtedness spells pinch Wigan, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Livingston earlier a imperishable move to Wolves successful 2020.

Loans astatine Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City - wherever he made 23 appearances during nan 2021-22 play - and Stoke City followed earlier his move to Millwall.

Fans person been laying flowers and different tributes astatine Millwall's stadium, The Den, wherever a book of condolence has besides been opened.

"Mati was genuinely proud to correspond america and nan book will beryllium signed by a batch of people," added Harris.

"In nan coming weeks and months, location will beryllium various tributes - we've already started talking down nan scenes astir really we tin salary our respects and honour Mati's life but besides his clip astatine our shot club."