Sport
Ecuadorian soccer striker Christian Benitez dies of suspected heart attack
“A hug to your family and especially to your father.”
Benitez was considered a key part of Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda’s Ecuador team that is hoping to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, sitting third in the South American qualifying group.
A powerful, destabilizing striker, Benitez was the Mexican league’s top scorer last season and helped his team win the championship.
“The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player,” El-Jais said in a statement. “His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”
El Jaish played Qatar Sports on Sunday in the Sheik Jassim Cup, a warm-up tournament for the upcoming football season. Benitez, who also spent a season in England with Birmingham, was in the lineup.
The match was played in hot and humid conditions, which are typical of the Persian Gulf at this time of year.
“The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday’s match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheik Jassim Cup without complaining of any health problems,” the club said, adding that it was awaiting results from a medical report that could be released later Monday.
