Sad news today that Ecuadorian striker, and former Birmingham City player Christian 'Chucho' Benítez has passed away at the age of 27.
Beníitez had recently completed a move to Quatari club El Jaish after a hugely impressive couple of seasons with Club América. He had also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea.
It is believed that he died due to complications related to peritonitis after he had been admitted to hospital complaining of stomach aches. However there are conflicting reports as to the exact cause of death.
His international teammate Antion Valencia sent this tweet in the wake of this sad news. In English it reads 'You will always be my brother, this pain is so strong brother but we love you.'
Por siempre vas hacer mi hermano este dolor muy fuerte mi hermano pero te queremos pic.twitter.com/lvspu8NXDy
— Antonio Valencia (@7AntoV) July 29, 2013
While BBC World commentator Paul Sarahs has said 'Poor Chucho. Loved watching him play, he was brilliant for América over the last couple of years.'
He scored 30 goals in 43 league appearances last season and 22 goals in the previous campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgXZZmh10bc
