Ex Liverpool and Betis star dies aged just 23

A sad day for all football fans as news of Miki Roque’s passing away rocks the world of sport.

Tributes have been pouring in all day for the centre back who has died aged just 23. Miki Roque was a defender with Liverpool and also with Real Betis. He was diagnosed last year with pelvic cancer after a routine checkup on a back problem.He was on the road to recovery and was training last year with Barcelona’s B team but sadly passed away yesterday.

Miki Roque joined Liverpool in 2005 from Catalan side Lleida and made just one appearance — as a late substitute in a Champions League match with Galatasaray in 2006.

Roque also spent time on loan at Oldham but was released in 2009 to join Real Betis’ B team before being promoted to Betis’ first team two years ago.

News and tweets from the footballing world read like this:

Andres Iniesta tweeted:

“Very sad news. I want to send a big hug and lots of support for the family of Miki Roque. We’ll miss you.”

Gerard Pique, a former Manchester united defender said:

“I met him when he played for Liverpool and I was at United. Rest in peace friend.”

Sergio Ramos from La Liga champions Real Madrid had this to say on Twitter:

“I just learned of the death of Miki Roque. I’m lost for words.”

Our best wishes go out to Miki Roque’s family. It is such a loss to lose someone so young.