Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has died at the age of 27 – days on from suffering a cardiac arrhythmia in a Copa Libertadores tie against Sao Paulo.
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Izquierdo collapsed on the pitchDefender suffers cardiac arrhythmiaNacional confirm his passing, aged 27Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Uruguayan fell unconscious in the 84th minute of the round of 16 contest in Brazil on August 22, before being taken to the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital. The former Montevideo Wanderers player had been undergoing medical treatment following his collapse but the hospital said on Tuesday night that he had died from a brain death after the cardiopulmonary arrest – as per .
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Nacional confirmed Izquierdo's tragic passing in a statement on X, which read: "It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss. R.I.P. Juan, you will be with us forever."
'SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL IS MOURNING'
Uruguay suspended all football activity last weekend over concerns relating to Izquierdo's health. The president of CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, paid his respects to the player and his family – as did fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez.
Dominguez said: "South American football is in mourning," while Suarez added: "Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Brazilian Football Federation President Ednaldo Rodrigues said a minute's silence would be observed in every game organised by the federation on Wednesday in tribute to Izquierdo – who also had spells at Cerro, Penarol, and Liverpool in Uruguay.