Nacional defender, Juan Izquierdo, who collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match on Thursday, with an irregular heartbeat, is dead.
The team confirmed that the Uruguayan player died on Tuesday, August 27.
It said: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.
“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
According to reports, the 27-year-old player, was playing for Nacional, a Uruguayan club, in the Copa Libertadores against the Brazilian team São Paulo, in the top South American tournament, when he suffered cardiac arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat on August 22.
The Nacional defender was a half-time substitute for former Liverpool defender, Sebastian Coates during his side's match with Sao Paulo.
It was reported that Izquierdo collapsed in the 84th minute, and was not in contact with any other player at the time when he collapsed.
According to the team, Izquierdo had no known heart condition before he collapsed.
Players from both teams were shocked and distressed at the stadium as Izquierdo was placed in an ambulance and rushed to a hospital.
He had been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo and Nacional initially described his condition as 'stable'.
The team stated that doctors at the hospital in São Paulo put Izquierdo in intensive care, and placed him on a ventilator, adding that the episode affected his brain, which worsened his condition in recent days.
According to reports, Uruguay suspended all football activities last weekend due to concern over the 27-year-old player’s health.
Speaking on Izquierdo's death, the spokesperson for Brazilian side, Sao Paulo said it was a “sad day for football”.
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami striker said: "Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also spoke: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo.
"On behalf of Fifa and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP."
Alejandro Dominguez, the president of CONMEBOL, extended his condolences to Juan Izquierdo's family and friends.
He also stated that South American football mourns the loss of Izquierdo.
Brazilian Football Federation’s president, Ednaldo Rodrigues noted that for every match organized by the federation, a minute silence would be observed in honour of the late player.
Izquierdo started his professional career in 2018, and this was his second stint for Nacional, one of Uruguay’s top soccer clubs.
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