JAPANESE FOOTBALLER NAOKI Matsuda, who earned 40 caps for his country, has died of a suspected heart attack.
Matsuda collapsed on a training pitch and was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, but failed to regain consciousness.
Ex-Japan boss, Philippe Troussier, who Matsuda worked under, paid tribute to the defender, telling Reuters (subscription required):
“It’s a big shock. He was a great guy and I felt a close bond to him. My thoughts go to his family.”
Matsuda starred for his country in the 2002 World Cup and won two J-League championships with former club Yokohama F-Marinos, with whom he played for 15 years.
The 34-year-old had moved to Matsumoto earlier this year.
He is not the first footballer to die whilst playing, with others including Marc-Vivien Foe and Antonio Puerta dying as a result of heart-related conditions.
