Former Leeds, Hearts, and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas sadly dies aged 36, the Lithuanian Football Federation has confirmed.
Centre-back Zaliukas played more than 150 games for Hearts between 2007 and 2013, captaining the club to Scottish Cup success in 2012.
He then had short stints at Leeds United and Rangers before returning to Lithuania, for whom he won 25 caps.
“We express our deepest condolences to Marius’ family,” read an LFF statement.
Terrible news. No age at all.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 31, 2020
FULL STATEMENT:
Marius Žaliūkas, a long-term defender of the national team and the legendary Lithuanian footballer, went on eternal rest. The footballer was just 36 years old.
Marius Žaliūkas represented the Lithuanian national team from 2006 to 2016 and managed to score one goal. Marius inspired countless young footballers, and his contribution to Lithuanian football will never be forgotten.
During his excellent career, the player represented FBK Kaunas, Kauno Inkaro, Šilutė, Edinburgh Hearts, Glasgow Rangers, Leeds United, and Vilnius Žalgiris clubs.
On behalf of the Lithuanian football community, we express our deepest condolences to Marius’ family.
Farewell to the player will take place at the funeral home “Rimtis” (A. Juozapavičiaus ave. 1, Kaunas) on November 4 from 16:00. until 20:00 and on November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The funeral will take place on November 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Neil McCann played with Zaliukas at Hearts between 2006 and 2008 and told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound: “I’m shocked. Condolences to his family.
“He was a really, really nice big guy. What a nice man he was. I can’t say enough nice things about him. He was a good footballer.”
He also won 29 caps for his country, working his way up from the youth team towards the senior first team, and boy has he done his country proud.
The Daily Record has reported he had been battling an unnamed illness in recent times.
It is incredibly very sad news and our condolences go out to his family and friends.
No doubt many tributes within Scottish and Lithuanian football will be paid over the coming days.
PLAYING CAREER:
2002–2004 – Inkaras Kaunas – 9 games (0 goals)
2004–2007 – FBK Kaunas – 31 games (2 goals)
2004–2005 → FK Šilutė (loan) – 15 games (0 goals)
2006–2007 → Heart of Midlothian (loan) – 27 games (2 goals)
2007–2013 – Heart of Midlothian – 158 games (9 goals)
2013–2014 – Leeds United – 15 games (0 goals)
2014–2015 – Rangers – 24 games (2 goals)
2016 – Žalgiris – 11 games (1 goal)
National team
2004–2005 – Lithuania U21 – 10 games (0 goals)
2005–2016 – Lithuania – 25 games (1 goal)
The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with the friends and family of former defender Marius Žaliūkas who has sadly passed away at 36 pic.twitter.com/ph8vmd9NaM
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 31, 2020
Fans reacted after seeing that former Leeds, Hearts and Rangers defender dies aged 36…
nobody should die at 36 ?
— iain (@iainthompson20) October 31, 2020
— AndreAesthetic (@longdong_wong) October 31, 2020
Awful news , devastated for his family to lose him at such a young age. RIP big man?
— rico74leeds (@rico74leeds) October 31, 2020
so so sad, no age at all ?
— ellie may (@ellufc) October 31, 2020
Fuck me. RIP, Marius. Sad sad news ????Thoughts go out to his family at this really difficult & sad time
— Alan Thompson ?? (@thombo1987) October 31, 2020
Awful news and no age at all that… Rest easy Marius ? once a white, always a white. #lufcfamily ??
— ?BIELSA ES DIOS?? (@MrChambers_lufc) October 31, 2020
First thing that came to my mind as well
— Tom Heaton (@TomHeats) October 31, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of Marius at such a tragically young age. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
— Bielsa for Premier? (@aclr1972) October 31, 2020
This is terrible, always looked a mountain of a man, ridiculous age for an athlete to pass away, his family must be devastated. RIP big man?
— rico74leeds (@rico74leeds) October 31, 2020
Was always a solid player at Hearts. Big tank of a guy. For some random reason, I always remember his aggression and bravery being ’20’ on Football Manager. A damn shame he’s died so young.
— Ryan (@Hoju8889) October 31, 2020
One of those foreign players who just fitted in well here. Easy to admire.
RIP.— Gavin Wilson⛳?️♂️ (@gav_big) October 31, 2020
— Swigalot (@swigalot) October 31, 2020
36. Taken far too soon. Thoughts and prayers with his family & friends. RIP ??
— 45 (@SdwStuart) October 31, 2020
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