Tributes to former Latics defender

Miki Roque: the full-back made four appearances for Athletic while on loan from Liverpool in 2007.

ATHLETIC are mourning the death of former player Miki Roque, who died in Barcelona last night at the age of 23 following a fight against cancer.

Real Betis defender Roque, who underwent surgery last year, came up through the ranks during four years at Premier League club Liverpool between 2005 and 2009 and helped the Reds win the 2006 FA Youth Cup.

He made a substitute appearance for the first team in a Champions League match in December 2006, before playing on loan at Boundary Park later that same season.

Roque moved permanently to Betis in 2009, making his senior debut the following year.

Athletic captain Dean Furman tweeted: “Awful news about ex-Latic Miki Roque passing away! Thoughts are with his family. Life is too short!”

And former Boundary Park defender Paul Black’s tweet read: “Just heard the news about Miki Roque, age 23 tragic. Came to Latics as a left back while I was breaking through. Nice guy!”








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