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Goalkeeper hailed as 'club's greatest' tragically dies as team vow 'we'll never forget you'

A footballer, who was recently voted his clubs greatest ever goalkeeper by fans, has died suddenly wit his team vowing never to forget him in a heartbreaking tribute

[Mateusz Bk]

Mateusz Bk has died(Image: Jam Press)

A star footballer, who was recently voted his clubs greatest ever goalkeeper by fans, has died suddenly aged 43.

Former shot-stopper Mateusz Bk, who played for Polish team Lechia Gdask, passed away on Monday (August 3), with the club confirming the tragic news on the same day - leaving players and fans across the country shocked.

Bk was considered a true club legend, remaining with the side through every promotion from the bottom tier to the top flight between 2001 and 2008. He made 245 appearances and even scored once.

[Mateusz Bk]

Mateusz Bk has been voted as his club's greatest ever goalkeeper(Image: Jam Press)

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Born in Poland on 24 February 1983, the 6ft 2in keeper joined Lechia as a youth player. He played there from 2001 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2017.

He also had spells at Wisa Pock, Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biaa, a loan in Portugal and a short stint in Bulgaria before retiring in 2017. Bk later coached young keepers in the club academy until 2022.

In a heartfelt message when he left, he wrote: Lechia Gdask thank you for every day in my life. This is our shared love.

[Mateusz Bk]

Mateusz Bk wife shared a touching tribute(Image: Jam Press)

The club has now retired his number 24 shirt forever, as reported by NeedToKnow. Officials said: In tribute to the Legend Mateusz Bk the Club retires number 24. From today this number will forever belong to you. We will never forget you, Bczek.

His wife Paulina Podczaska-Bk shared a moving family video tribute. She wrote: I miss you. You were my man. Thank you for every second of our shared journey. You are and will always be in our hearts.

The family released a statement calling him a beloved son, husband, brother, father and friend. They asked for privacy while grieving.

Business partners at his car firm also paid tribute. They described him as a brother and trusted friend whose vision helped to build the company.

Gdask mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz said he was an outstanding sportsman with a white-and-green heart who stood as a foundation for the club in its darkest times.

Official statements said he died suddenly, but no further information has been released on the exact cause.

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