Former Birmingham City footballer Christian 'Chucho' Benitez has died, aged 27.
The Ecuador forward is third in his country's all-time goalscoring standings, and his death came as a shock, just hours after his debut for new club, El Jaish of Qatar.
An Ecuador Football Federation statement read:
'The FEF regrets to inform you of the death of Christian Benitez, the striker of Qatar club Al Jaish and the Ecuador national team.
'Benitez, 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 Benitez. May he rest in peace.'
El Jaish also released a statement confirming the news. It said: 'The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player.
'Benitez 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.'
The Ecuadorian entered to a hospital in Doha, Qatar because of a "strong pain" in the abdomen. According to Miguel Herrera and other football partners, in interview with Matutino Express, he did not receive immediate medical attention and a few hours later BenÃtez started having respiratory failure.[ He eventuallly kicked the bucket from complications leading to cardiac arrest.
'Benitez, 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 Benitez. May he rest in peace.'
El Jaish also released a statement confirming the news. It said: 'The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player.
'Benitez 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.'
The Ecuadorian entered to a hospital in Doha, Qatar because of a "strong pain" in the abdomen. According to Miguel Herrera and other football partners, in interview with Matutino Express, he did not receive immediate medical attention and a few hours later BenÃtez started having respiratory failure.[ He eventuallly kicked the bucket from complications leading to cardiac arrest.
Manchester United winger Antonia Valencia led the tributes to his compatriot
"Why now brother?"
"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.
"Please brother. Someone please say no."
"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."
R.I.P Chucho.. and to ur wonderful wife and luvli children,.. u all wl neva walk alone
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Chucho.. Sportunes tweet was the most touching, nobodi deserves to die at the age of 27 mehn. REGARDLESS!!
ReplyDeleteGood Lord! Thoughts r with his fam
ReplyDelete