Footballer, 24, found dead in waters of Spanish port as heartbroken club pay tribute to ‘inspiration to us all’

A HEARTBROKEN club has paid tribute after one of their footballers was found dead in the waters of a Spanish port.

Croatian ace Jakov Jelkic, 24, played for Swiss third-tier team FC Granges-Paccot.

He was in Alicante with his club for a tournament when the tragic moment occurred, according to Marca.

Local police say Jelkic fell into the sea and drowned after a night out clubbing with several teammates.

The footballer was last spotted “staggering” out of a bar, “having ingested some type of alcoholic beverage”.

Jelkic failed to return to his hotel, where staff reported him missing the following morning.

His family also put out social media messages in a desperate attempt to locate him.

But police made a grim discovery on Monday afternoon as they found his body in the water of Alicante’s port.

Jelkic’s passing has since been confirmed by cops as an accidental death.

And his club paid tribute on social media with a touching statement.

It read: “It is with great sadness that we learned of Jakov’s passing.

“All our thoughts go to his family, friends, teammates and all the people who knew him closely or from afar.

“His memory will remain forever engraved in our hearts.

“A friend, a teammate, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.”

Fans also paid tribute to Jelkic online.

One said: “Forever in our hearts.”

Another declared: “In support of the family, players and all his loved ones.”

One noted: “This is so sad.”

Another added: “My condolences to the family, friends and team.”

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