The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) have announced that under-20 international Yimvert Berroteran has died after two earthquakes hit the South American country. Reports in the country claim that it took 24 hours before rescue workers recovered his body from the rubble, adding to a death toll that has already surpassed 900 in two days.
Berroteran, 18, played for Universidad Central, and became a Venezuelan champion for the first time in December, while they also won the country’s top cup competition, too.
That same month the forward represented Venezuela at the Under-17 World Cup. They reached the round of 32 in Qatar.
The FVF released a statement, translated into English from Spanish, on Friday. It reads: “The Venezuelan Football Federation deeply regrets the passing of Yimvert Berroterán.
“Today, Venezuelan football bids farewell with immense sorrow to a young man who proudly, committedly, and lovingly represented the colors of our country. His departure grieves the entire Vinotinto family and leaves an indelible mark on all who shared time with him on and off the field.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaching staff, and loved ones during this time of profound sadness. Yimvert, your light will continue to shine in every Vinotinto heartbeat. May he rest in peace.”
View 2 ImagesYimvert Berroteran played for Venezuela at the Under-17 World Cup(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
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The FVF captioned their post: “Your light will continue to be present in every heartbeat, Vinotinto.” They signed off message with the infinity emoji.
The former Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion striker replied to their Instagram post by saying: “He cannot be a holy God!!!” and punctuated the comment with three broken heart emojis. West Ham United winger Keiber Lamadrid also commented on the post about his compatriot, reacting with a flushed face emoji and a broken heart emoji.
Berroteran made his debut for Venezuela’s under-20s earlier this month. That call-up followed 17 caps for the under-17s, with whom the forward also played at the Under-17 South American Championship.
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