Marius Zaliukas: Former Hearts, Leeds and Rangers defender dies aged 36

The Lithuanian Football Federation have announced that former Hearts, Leeds and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas has died at the age of 36.

Zaliukas captained Hearts to Scottish Cup final glory against Hibernian in 2012 during a six-year spell at Tynecastle and later had shorter spells at Elland Road and Ibrox.

GETTY IMAGES

The news of Zaliukas’ passing was announced during Hearts’ Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs

The news was announced during Hearts’ Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs.

The LFF said in a statement: “Marius Zaliukas represented the Lithuanian national team from 2006 to 2016 and managed to score one goal.

“Marius inspired countless young footballers, and his contribution to Lithuanian football will never be forgotten.

“On behalf of the Lithuanian football community, we express our deepest condolences to Marius’ family.”

praise

'He's not Messi, but who cares?' - Klopp lauds Liverpool ace after West Ham victory

as you were

Premier League and elite sport to continue in England, confirms Boris Johnson

drama

Klopp matches remarkable Paisley record as Liverpool leave it late to beat West Ham

SOFT

Mo Salah accused of diving for Liverpool equaliser as ex-West Ham ace fumes at VAR

struggling

Arsenal legend explains why record signing Pepe is a ‘problem’ for Arteta

ALL CHANGE

Alli and Bale dropped and superstars return as Tottenham face Brighton

TEAMS

Cavani, and Partey start, while Pepe is dropped as Man United host Arsenal

blow

Lampard provides update on Pulisic injury with Chelsea ace set for spell on sidelines

RANT

Wilder blasts Sheffield United stars for ‘showing no quality at all’ against Man City

FIRM

Barca candidate says Guardiola will return, despite Man City boss saying 'it's over'

Former Scotland international Neil McCann played with Zaliukas at Hearts between 2006 and 2008 and has expressed his sadness at the news.

“I’m shocked. Condolences to his family,” he told the BBC.

“He was a really, really nice big guy. What a nice man he was. I can’t say enough nice things about him. He was a good footballer.”

from Football - news, transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures https://ift.tt/3mI3VjY
via IFTTT

• Share
• Share
• Tweet
• Pin It