Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez pays heartfelt tribute after death of Uruguayan footballer, 27

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has shared his deepest sympathies after the tragic death of fellow footballer Juan Izquierdo. The Uruguayan player collapsed on the field during Club Nacional's Copa Libertadores clash with Sao Paulo last week.

Izquierdo suffered an irregular heartbeat, which led to his passing six days later. Expressing immense grief, Club Nacional announced his death 'with the deepest sorrow'. According to a hospital statement, Izquierdo suffered a "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia".

Ex- Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates, who was substituted for Izquierdo at half-time, watched on as the young defender became unconscious in the closing moments of the game. He had been on ventilator support since Sunday and had been under neurological care before his passing.

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Amidst this sorrowful event, Uruguay's top two division matches were shelved, while Sao Paulo players donned tribute shirts in their weekends triumph over Vitoria.

Numerous footballers have come forward to honor Izquierdos memory, including Nunez who took to Instagram to say: "May you rest in peace." Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur also paid tribute on social media.

Club Nacional had earlier confirmed the tragic news. "It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," they posted. "We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss."

Izquierdo joined Nacional in 2022 before making a move to local side Liverpool Futbol Club. His contribution was instrumental in securing the Uruguayan league title for the club in 2023, their first in over a hundred years, before he made his return to the Estadio Gran Parque Central.