Besian Idrizaj dies at 22

[Steve 10,227]

The former Under-21 international joined Liverpool in 2005 and was named Austria’s young player of the year, but failed to make a first team breakthrough.

He later had loan spells at Luton and Crystal Palace before returning to Austria in 2008.

He then briefly joined Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2009 and moved on to Swansea City last August. He made three Championship appearances for the club this season.

A Swansea statement read: "We can confirm that the agent of young striker Besian Idrizaj has informed the club that the striker has sadly passed away.

"It is understood that the popular 22-year-old died in his sleep on Friday night while at home with his family in Austria."

The statement went on: "The exact cause of death has not been confirmed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and team-mates at this time."

Reports in Austria say Idrizaj, who had undergone extensive medical tests in 2008 after he twice collapsed during games, was taken ill at his parents' house, and could not be revived.

He was also sent to hospital after a trial match with LASK Linz in November 2008.

His brother, Qerim, said: "Besian is dead. That is all I can say at the moment."

If confirmed as a heart-attack, Idrijaz's death follows several other similar deaths that have hit the sport in recent years.

In June 2003 Cameroon's Marc-Vivien Foe died aged 28 after collapsing on the field while playing against Colombia in Lyon, France having spent the previous season on loan from Olympique Lyon at Manchester City.

In August 2007 Spanish international Antonio Puerta, 22, suffered a heart attack playing for Seville against Getafe and later died in hospital.

Two years later Espanyol skipper Daneil Jarque died aged 26 after suffering cardiac arrest following a training session.

Telegraph

More sad news in the footballing world. So many players are dieing from heart attacks its really sad

R.I.P

[HRiver 1,512]

Same country and nationality as me. Rest in Peace, Albanian brother.

[chivas 1]

Same country and nationality as me. Rest in Peace, Albanian brother.

I wish sincere condolences to his family .. RIP

[Kez 2,727]

R.I.P terrible news.