Former World Cup player Jorge Bolano has sadly died at the age of 47.
Reports indicate that the former midfielder suffered a heart attack after celebrating a family birthday in Cucuta, Colombia.
He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
Fellow players and fans have expressed their condolences on social media following the announcement of Bolano`s death.
Gianluigi Buffon, Bolano`s former teammate at Parma, commented: “Jorge was a friend and teammate I will never forget, a constant presence in a dressing room full of incredible champions.”
Buffon added, “We played together and achieved victories during the golden era of a great Parma team.”
“On the field, he was a tireless fighter, and off the field, I will always remember his kindness and humanity, which made him a role model for everyone.”
“We will always remember you, rest in peace, my friend.”
Bolano began his professional career with Colombian club Atletico Junior in 1993 and remained with the team for six years before moving to Italy.
In Italy, he joined Parma, where he played alongside Buffon and won the Italian Cup in the 2001/02 season.
The midfielder also had loan spells at Sampdoria and Lecce before signing with Modena in 2007.
In 2010, he returned to Colombia, joining Cucuta Deportivo, where he concluded his playing career two years later before retiring.
Bolano also represented the Colombian national team 34 times, scoring one goal.
He was part of the Colombian squad at the 1998 World Cup in France.
