Ecuador
striker Christian Benítez died on Monday morning after suffering a
cardiorespiratory arrest, less than a month after signing for Qatari
club Al Jaish.
Benítez
was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain hours after making
his debut against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup but died
shortly afterwards. He was 27.
Benítez
joined Al Jaish earlier in July from Club America, after previous
spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham.
An
Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) statement read: "The FEF
regrets to inform you of the death of Christian Benítez, the striker
of Qatar club Al Jaish and the Ecuador national team.
"Benítez,
who was with his new club in Qatar, had a severe stomach pain, which
was why he was rushed to a hospital, where after a few hours suffered
he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest, which ended his life.
"The
Ecuadorian Football Federation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the
family – parents, wife, children – and friends of our striker
Christian Benítez.
"May
he rest in peace."
Benitez
was a regular for his country and made the Ecuador squad for the 2006
World Cup finals in Germany. Al Jaish were stunned at the player's
death so soon after his arrival.
A
statement read: "The club would like to offer its sincere
condolences to the family of the player. Benítez had recently joined
the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated
for the first time with the team during yesterday's match against
Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any
health problems.
"His
sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and
administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he
was here was regarded for his high moral character."
Tributes
were quick to arrive with the Manchester United winger, and Ecuador
team-mate, Antonio
Valencia tweeting a picture of the pair together.
The
Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, who played with Benítez at
Birmingham, said on the social networking site: "Can't believe Christian Benítez aka chucho has died had the pleasure to play with
him he was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family."
A
tweet from Club America read: "You left as a champion, you will
always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace Christian Benítez."
A
Birmingham statement read: "BirminghamCity FootballClub is saddened to learn of the passing of former striker Christian'Chucho' Benítez. The thoughts of all associated with the football
club are with Chucho's family and friends at this very sad time.
"Chucho's
passing will now be marked at St Andrew's ahead of Saturday's fixture
against Watford.
"The
Ecuador international was an immensely-popular character during his
time at the football club. During a season-long loan from Mexicanclub Santos Laguna in 2009-10, Chucho made 36 appearances scoring
four goals."
Source:
guardian
Are
you an Optometrist??? Need a software? Visit VisualEyes
Bathroom
renovation?? Need some help? Just visit Bathmaster
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.