Greece international footballer, Marios Oikonomou, has tragically died after an auto crash while riding a motorbike in his country.
Oikonomou rode the bike and was later hit by an advancing car whose driver was making a U-turn after which he was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead by medical practitioners nine days later.
The misap, which happened in his Ioannina, Greece, on May 23, left him with gruesome head injuries and in need of a surgery which left him in coma after which he died in hospital yesterday.
The defender who aged 33 started his career at Greek club, PAS Giannina after which he moved to Italian club, Cagliari, in 2013, where he played a colossal part as the club gained promotion to the Serie A, a feat which aided his six appearances for the Greece national team.
The deceased would then move back to his Greece home with AEK Athens, and then Copenhagenn as well as a brief stint with Sampdoria.
His death has generated tributes from the football world, his previous employers, AEK Athens, paying him a tribute which reads, ”With sadness in our hearts and souls, we recently learned of the sad fact that Marios Economou lost the battle for life. Difficult moments when words cannot express for AEK, but much more for his family, the extent of his loss.
“His career in football and sports and the battles he fought speak for themselves, as well as the unique ethos demonstrated by this young athlete, who lost his life at the age of 33 and on Pentecost Sunday.
“We wish courage and mental strength to his family and loved ones. He will be remembered by all AEK fans,” the statement concludes.
PAS Giannina, wrote in a statement, “Today the PAS Giannina family is mourning.
“Marios Oikonomou, a child who earned the love and respect of all of us, left us prematurely. We spent moments of joy, effort and struggle together.
“Always with a smile, always with kindness. To his loved ones, to our President and father Giorgos Oikonomou and his family, we express our deepest sympathy and our most sincere condolences.
“His memory will remain alive in all of us. Mario, we will remember you with love. May your memory be eternal.”