Ecuador's Christian Benítez dies

Tragic news for the world of football, and especially shocking news for Ecuador: Christian Benítez, the Ecuadorian international footballer, has died in Qatar at the age of 27. The former América forward, who signed a few weeks ago for the Qatari side Jaish Sports Club, looks to have died from complications following peritonitis, which led to him falling into a coma, and then to cardiac arrest.

The player was complaining of extreme stomach pain and was taken to a Qatari hospital, where he died soon afterwards, according to the Qatari club on their Twitter account. Ecuadorian media state that peritonitis not dealt with in time led to his cardiac arrest.

Players such as his fellow international team-mate and Manchester United player Antonio Valencia, have expressed their deep sadness at what has happened. "Brother, please, somebody please, tell me it isn't true", was the heartbreaking message posted by Valencia on his Twitter account.

Colombia's Radamel Falcao, newly transferred to Monaco, also expressed his shock at the tragic news. "All my sympathy to his family and all the Ecuadorian people. We shall miss you, Chucho", Falcao wrote.

Benítez had played 58 times for Ecuador, scoring 24 goals, and had also played for El Nacional, Club Santos Laguna, Birmingham City and América in Mexico. Just three weeks ago he sealed his transfer to Jaish SC in Qatar after winning the Clausura 2013 competition with América. A number of European clubs had been after him, too.


/Marca.Com/