25-year-old former Stoke City defender, Dionatan Teixeira, is dead

Former Stoke City defender Dionatan Teixeira has died at the age of 25 after suffering a suspected heart attack. Teixeira joined Stoke in 2014 from Dukla Banska Bystrica and during his three years with the club he made two Premier League appearances.

He join Moldovan club Sheriff Tiraspol in 2017, he also appeared eight times for Fleetwood Town while on loan from the Potters. After his arrival at Sheriff in February, Teixeira made 10 appearances for the club as he helped guide them to win the Moldovan National Division title.

A statement on the Stoke City website read “Stoke City extends sincere condolences to the family of former defender Dionatan Teixeira following his untimely passing at the age of 25.”

Chief executive Tony Scholes said “Dionatan was a hugely popular member of our squad and it's difficult to comprehend that he has passed away at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his young family and friends at such a difficult time.”