A 22-year-old footballer has died in a serious car crash, with the Kosovo national team paying an emotional tribute to the “educated, dedicated and ambitious boy”.
On Sunday morning Fatjon Bunjaku, who represented Kosovo at youth level, playing for both the U19 and U21 national teams, died after a devastating collision involving two other people in Mitrovica–Pristina road, in the village of Maxhunaj. It is believed that Fatjon was driving the car when they crashed.
All three people were rushed to hospital but despite best efforts Fatjon could not be saved.
View 3 ImagesThe Kosovo national team has paid tribute to the rising footballer(Image: Gjens Karaqi)
A police statement said: “Around 07:50, the University Clinical Hospital Service of Kosovo received a notification that, despite the efforts of medical personnel, the driver of the vehicle, a 22-year-old male victim, had died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.”
The Police Spokesperson for the Mitrovica Region, Avni Zahiti, confirmed investigators from the Regional Traffic Unit are trying to piece together what caused the deadly crash, The Sun reports.
Football Federation of Kosovo said it was “deep pain and great sorrow” following the devastating news. In an emotional statement, president Agim Ademi said: ” With deep pain and great sorrow, we received the news of the tragic and untimely passing of your dearest friend, Fatjon Bunjaku. On my personal behalf, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Football Federation of Kosovo and the entire football community in the country, I express my most sincere condolences for this grave and irreplaceable loss.”
View 3 ImagesNews of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the football community in Kosovo.
(Image: Facebook/Fatjon Bunjaku)
It continued: “Fatjoni was much more than a talented footballer. He was an educated, dedicated and ambitious boy, who with his work, character and love for football managed to gain the respect of all those who were lucky enough to know and work with him.
“His contribution to the clubs where he played and his appearances with the Kosovo U21 jersey will remain part of the precious memories of our football. Fatjoni proudly represented the colors of Kosovo and was an example of an athlete who always aimed to move forward.
“His departure at such a young age has shocked us all. Kosovar football lost a great talent, while his family, friends and teammates lost a loved one, who left an indelible mark on their hearts.”
The news of Fatjoni’s passing comes as Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s friendly with Ukraine.
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The game on Sunday was brought to a halt midway through the second period after the midfielder collapsed to the floor in the 65th minute. Players were seen crying on the pitch during the concerning scenes which were reminiscent of his scare during Euro 2020.
The Danish FA (DBU) have since confirmed that Eriksen was the player involved, but assured fans that he was conscious. A statement read: “Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances. The match has been called off.”