Christian Benitez, the 27-year-old Ecuador international, who has also represented Birmingham City died on Monday, his club El Jaish have confirmed.
However, the cause of his death is not disclosed yet.
Benitez, who joined Qatari club El Jaish last month for a fee of £10m, passed away even before making a debut for his new club. Football players have expressed their condolences on twitter.
Liverpool and Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva tweeted:
Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner joined the tributes by tweeting:
— Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) July 29, 2013
The player’s former club, Birmingham City FC tweeted from its official account:
— Craig Gardner (@CraigGards8) July 29, 2013
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta tweeted:
— Birmingham City FC (@BcfcDotCom) July 29, 2013
His international team-mate and close friend, Manchester United‘s Antonio Valencia, said: “Brother, God is with your family, we love you. This strong pain you’ve caused me will stay forever my brother, but we love you.”
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) July 29, 2013
His tweet read:
Colombia and Monaco striker Falcao said: “Such sad news, the death of footballer Christian Benitez. My thoughts go out to his family and to all the Ecuadorian people. We will miss you Chucho.”
— Antonio Valencia (@7AntoV) July 29, 2013
His tweet read:
— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) July 29, 2013
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