Tragic news out of the Ukraine today, as the footy world learns that Shakhtar Donetsk striker Maicon Pereira de Oliviera (better known simply as Maicon) has died in a car accident.
The club confirmed the news in an official statement on Saturday morning.
“FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended. He died in a car crash in Donetsk.
“He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright.
“Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.
“It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon’s family and friends. May he rest in peace…”
The 25-year-old Brazilian joined Shaktar in 2012, but has been away from the club on various loans for much of his time there; playing in six games for Shaktar. Recently he had been away on loan with Zorya Luhansk and Illichivets Mariupol.
Club captain Darijo Sma spoke on behalf of his teammates.
“I have no words. We have lost a very good man, a friend, a colleague, a friend,” he said.
“This is a difficult and tragic moment in the life of Shakhtar and its fans.
“But even in this difficult situation, all of us should pull ourselves together and try to get through this terrible tragedy.
“We will do everything in our power to help and support the family of our dead colleague.
“The team shares the pain, which Maicon’s family and friends are experiencing now. We are deeply mourning.”
We at LWOS offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, teammates, colleagues, and fans.
Main Photo Credit: Олег Дубина via Wiki Commons, CC
