Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic pays tribute to international team-mate Matija Sarkic following tragic passing

Milutin Osmajic has joined the outpouring of emotion that has greeted the news that Millwall and Montenegro player Matija Sarkic has tragically died.

The keeper, who was an international team-mate of the Preston North End striker, passed away on Saturday - just days after both players represented their home county in a friendly against Belgium on Thursday. He was 26.

Sarkic is reported to have fallen ill in the Montenegrin town of Budva on Saturday morning. Friends immediately called for medical help but he reportedly died around 6.30am local time.

Upon hearing the devastating news, the Lilywhites front man posted on social media: ‘Rest in peace my good friend’.

PNE also passed on their condolences. A statement released by the Deepdale outfit read: ‘Everyone at #pnefc sends their deepest condolences to Matija's family and loved ones, and all those connected with Millwall at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace.’

Sarkic made 33 appearances for Millwall last season, after joining the Lions from Wolves for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023. He was in goal for the Londoners in their 1-1 draw with Ryan Lowe’s side in the capital on January 27.

Millwall were among the hosts of clubs to pay tribute to Sarkic, who was voted man of the match following Montenegro’s defeat at the hands of Belgium in Brussels less than 48 hours ago.

A statement from them read: ‘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.’

A Wolves statement said: ‘We are truly heartbroken by today’s tragic news. Matija was someone who had time for anybody at the football club, no matter who they were. 

‘He was smart, bright, warm and funny, and gave everything to his profession and the people around him. 

‘A team-mate, a colleague and a friend. He will be missed by all of us.’

Another former club, Birmingham, posted on social media: ‘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 that knew him.’

Meanwhile, Aston Villa - who signed the keeper from Anderlect in 2015 as an 18-year-old, wrote: ‘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.’

As well as Sarkic, PNE also expressed sadness at the passing of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, who also died today after a short illness.

A statement from the Lilywhites read: ‘We’re sad to learn of Kevin’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at #pnefc are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.’