Stoke pay tribute to 'hugely popular' former defender Dionatan Teixeira following news of Brazilian's death age 25

Former Stoke City defender Dionatan Teixeira has died age 25, the Premier League club have announced. The Brazilian-born player, who played twice for Stoke's first team after moving to the club in 2014, was registered with Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol at the time of his death. After joining them in February he made 10 appearances as Sheriff won the Moldovan National Division title. Teixeira also played for Kosice, Slovan Bratislava, Banik Ruzina and Dukla Banska Bystrica and made eight appearances for Fleetwood Town during a loan spell from Stoke in 2015. ______________________ ______________________ A statement on Stoke's website read: "Stoke City extends sincere condolences to the family of former defender Dionatan Teixeira following his untimely passing at the age of 25." Chief executive Tony Scholes added: "Dionatan was a hugely popular member of our squad and it's difficult to comprehend that he has passed away at such a young age. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his young family and friends at such a difficult time." A statement on the Sheriff website said Teixeira had travelled to his native Brazil in the summer and had been due to return to the club. No details were given about how he died. The Sheriff statement read: "The whole team of FC Sheriff, from simple workers to the management of the club, is shocked by the tragic news. The pain of loss is great. "We express our sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of Dionotan. He will remain forever in our hearts."

Stoke pay tribute to 'hugely popular' former defender Dionatan Teixeira following news of Brazilian's death age 25

A statement on the Sheriff Tiraspol website said Teixeira had travelled to his native Brazil in the summer and had been due to return to the club. No details were given about how he died