Sevilla player Antonio Puerta has died at the age of 22, two days after collapsing during his team's clash with Getafe CF.
zoom - galleria Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta has died at the age of 22.
The versatile player collapsed during his side's 4-1 win over Getafe on Sunday night after what was later determined to be a heart attack.
He managed to get to his feet in order to be substituted, but collapsed again upon reaching his side's changing room. Being rushed to hospital, he was admitted to intensive care.
Since Sunday, he had been in a critical condition, with apparent brain damage following his cardial failure.
Daily reports from the hospital indicated that his condition had beeb steadily deterioratating, Tuesday morning showing a drastic downfall in his health.
Mid-afternoon on Tuesday, the Spanish media reported that the player had passed away.
Puerta, a versatile wing player, played over 50 games for Sevilla and earned one cap for the Spanish national team. A local boy, Antonio had been with Sevilla 'B' since 2002.
During his rise to both first team and international recognition, the left-sided player picked up five caps for the Spanish U-21s, delighting the Spanish footballing setup with a series of consistent displays.
However, sources within the Spanish game have recently pointed out that the player has undergone several medical tests in the last few months, with things coming to a tragic head during that clash with Getafe.
Nonetheless, the player started the season in fine fettle, playing in the first leg of Sevilla's Supercopa win over Real Madrid - his fifth piece of major silverware after two UEFA Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.
The 22 year old is survived by his girlfriend, who is expecting a baby during the next month.
Sevilla's Tuesday night match with AEK Athens in the Champions League has been suspended until further notice.
Ewan Macdonald
Today
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Antonio Puerta Passes Away
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