BEIRUT: Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah was among the first to mourn Egypt national football teammate Ahmed Refaat, who died following a heart attack early on Saturday.
The 31-year-old winger, who played for Egyptian Premier League club Modern Future, was reported to have had a rare medical condition that caused the cardiac arrest.
After news of Refaat’s death went viral on Saturday, Salah mourned his teammate on his X handle. He wrote: “May God grant patience to his family and all his loved ones.”
Egyptian press reported that in March Refaat collapsed on the pitch during a match against Al-Ittihad of Alexandria. He was rushed to hospital and recovered after being placed an induced coma for nine days.
His club Modern Future confirmed that the winger was taken to hospital on Saturday, but was pronounced dead.
Ashraf Eissa, head of the medical team following Refaat’s case, said that the footballer’s heart stopped in the early hours of Saturday.
Former Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz paid tribute to Refaat, telling Cairo 24: “One gifted, gentle and natural football talent. His game was gracious and skilful which helped him bring magic to football stadiums. Was my privilege to share my life with Ahmed Refaat. He will remain in my heart and prayers. Thank you, my good friend, for all what you did for football, Egypt and me.”
Last month Refaat confirmed during a TV interview that he would not be able to play football again.
The Egyptian Football Association offered condolences to Refaat’s family and relatives following his death.
