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CROATIA MOURNS

Marin Cacic dead, aged 23: Croatian defender dies in hospital just days after collapsing during training session

CROATIAN football is in mourning following the death of 23-year-old defender Marin Cacic.

The NK Nehaj player collapsed in training a few days ago and was taken to hospital where he was placed into a coma.

Croatian footballer Marin Cacic, 23, sadly died during a training session
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Croatian footballer Marin Cacic, 23, sadly died during a training sessionCredit: Facebook/NK Nehaj
The defender reportedly had a heart attack and later died in hospital
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The defender reportedly had a heart attack and later died in hospitalCredit: Facebook/NK Nehaj

But his club revealed in an emotional tribute on Facebook that the Gospic-born ace later died.

The sad news has also been reported by Bosnia and Herzegovina news-site Klix that 'his doctors fought unsuccessfully for his life'.

It is reported that the centre-half 'suddenly collapsed during training' after suffering a 'heart attack'.

Cacic started his career with youth teams in Rijeka, had a spell in Italy with lower league side Isernia, before ending up at NK Nehaj, based in the town of Senj.

They play in the second tier of the football league system in Croatia.

Tributes poured in on the Facebook post for the young man.

Zoran Meter wrote: "I don't know this boy or his parents, but I can't hide my tears over this tragedy. Sincere condolences to the parents."

Robi Fonovic added: "Rest in God's peace", and Sandra Biondic Furrier asked god to give the the family 'the strength to endure this great sorrow and pain'.

Another one of his former clubs, Bosnia and Herzegovina side NK Jedinstvo, also paid tribute to Cacic, writing on their website: "Rest in peace, Marin, forever in our hearts."

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