Dionatan Teixeira dead: Ex-Stoke City defender passes away after suspected heart attack aged just 25
Brazilian has passed away in homeland after a reported cardiac arrest and had been playing for FC Sheriff in Moldova
FORMER Stoke defender Dionatan Teixeira has died aged 25.
It is feared the former Potters defender had a heart attack while spending time in his native Brazil.
A statement from the club he moved to from Stoke, Sheriff Tiraspol, said: "A few hours ago, a good man and an excellent football player, former FC Sheriff player Dionatan Teixeira died.
"The Brazilian defender was only 25 years old. The whole of the club is shocked by this tragic news. The pain of loss is great.
The centre-half made just two appearances for the Potters in a three year spell at the club.
From there he moved on to Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in February 2017.
Teixeira helped them to the 2016-17 Moldovan National Division title in his first few months.
Having begun his career playing for his native Brazil, he gained a Slovakian passport in 2013, and went on to make six appearances for the Slovakian Under-21 side.
BATTLEGROUND St Etienne's derby with Lyon halted after fans flood pitch and start brawling
Teixeira even had trials at Manchester City before joining Stoke in 2014, having played for Bystrica and Kosice in the Corgon Liga in Slovakia.
Potters and England keeper Jack Butland tweeted: "Devastated, such a positive and happy man. Sending all my love and wishes to your family. Rest in peace."
Teixeira also played on loan at Fleetwood Town, who expressed their sadness at the news.
The League One side said: "The thoughts of everyone at #ftfc are with the family and friends of former player Dionatan Teixeira, who has sadly passed away aged 25."
