Former Liverpool defender Miki Roque has died aged 23. He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2011 and had surgery to remove a tumour from his pelvis.
His career had been on hold pending a recovery. Unfortunately that failed to occur and his passing was announced on Sunday evening.
Then a teenager he signed for the Reds not longer after the club lifted the Champions League trophy.
Roque was named amongst the substitutes when a return was made to the Ataturk Stadium for a meeting with Galatasaray during December 2006. He came on for the closing six minutes as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.
A period was spent on-loan with Oldham Athletic during the same season. Roque then returned to his homeland for temporary spells with Xerex Club Deportivo and FC Cartagena.
Released by Liverpool over the summer of 2009 he joined Real Betis, and, was making headway in their senior side before his condition was diagnosed as medical staff sought to find the underlying cause for a persistent back injury.
A statement on the club's official website expresses sadness at the news and concludes: "Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to send their thoughts to Miki's family at this sad time."
