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Benitez during his time at Birmingham. Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

Former Birmingham striker Christian Benitez dies aged 27

The Ecuador international suffered a cardiac arrest a day after making his debut for Qatari club El Jaish.

Updated at 16.14

ECUADOR INTERNATINAL CHRISTIAN Benitez has died at the age of 27 after suffering a heart attack.

The former Birmingham City forward, who spent the 2009/10 season on-loan in the Premier League, made his debut for Qatar Stars League outfit El Jaish on Sunday after a £10 million move from Club America and featured in the 2-0 victory over Qatar SC in the Sheikh Jassem Cup.

But, after being rushed to hospital suffering from severe stomach pain, he suffered a cardiac arrest which ultimately ended his life.

A statement from the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) read: “The FEF extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family, parents, wife, children and friends of Christian Benitez.”

Benitez’s international team-mate, Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia, took to Twitter in the aftermath of the news breaking to express disbelief.

Attaching a picture of the striker to his tweet, he wrote: “Brother why now. God is with you and your family.”

Benitez, nicknamed ‘Chucho’, began his career with El Nacional in his native Ecuador, before enjoying a spell in Mexico with Santos Laguna and a stint in the Premier League with Birmingham City.

He scored 24 goals in 58 appearances for his country during a distinguished international career.

First published at 15.07pm

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3 Comments
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    Mute Wilson
    Favourite Wilson
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    Jul 29th 2013, 3:15 PM

    RIP Man !!!

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    Mute Luke Sheridan
    Favourite Luke Sheridan
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    Jul 29th 2013, 3:19 PM

    Terrible to hear a young professional who had everything going for him die, the whole footballing world will be praying for his family and friends. RIP Chuco.

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    Mute Always Be Closing
    Favourite Always Be Closing
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    Jul 29th 2013, 7:38 PM

    He looked older than 27…

    Fans should remember this when they are giving dogs abuse to players that play for their team. They are human at the end of the day.

    RIP Chucho.

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