Former Montenegro striker Andrija Delibasic has passed away aged 43 following a battle with brain cancer.
Delibasic played for Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano, among other clubs, during a career which stretched from 1999 to 2015. He scored six goals in 21 appearances for Montenegro, including in a 2-2 draw against England in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
One of his former clubs, Spanish side Hercules, wrote: “We lament the passing of Andrija Delibasic. He was the key to our promotion to the Primera Liga in 2009-10.
“He scored 20 goals in two seasons for us. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Mallorca said: “We deeply regret the loss of our former player, Andrija Delibasic. We send our thoughts to his family and loved ones.”
Delibasic enjoyed a nomadic career which took him all over Europe, as well as to Thailand. He Portuguese clubs Braga and Beira-Mar as well as Greek side AEK Athens and Thai club Ratchaburi.
After retiring from playing in 2015 at his hometown club Sutjeska, he moved into coaching, but his career was cut short by illness.
The most famous moment of Delibasic’s career came in October 2011 when he scored a last-minute equaliser for Montenegro against England in Podgorica. While a point was enough for England to qualify for Euro 2012, the goal sparked wild celebrations in Montenegro’s capital.
Goals from Ashley Young and Darren Bent gave the Three Lions a comfortable lead after 31 minutes, but the home team fought back through Elsad Zverotic before Wayne Rooney was sent off. Delibasic then headed in at the far post in added time to send Montenegro into the qualifying play-offs for the Euros.
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