Ex-Liverpool player Miki Roque dies

By foxsports
Published

Former Liverpool youngster and Real Betis defender Miki Roque died Sunday at the age of 23 following a battle against cancer.

Roque was diagnosed with cancer in March 2011 and he underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his pelvis.

However, it was confirmed on Sunday evening that Roque had passed away.

A statement on Betis' official website read, "The Real Betis player Miquel Roque Farrero, Miki Roque, died today at the Instituto Dexeus de Barcelona hospital at the age of 23.

"Real Betis send their deepest condolences to the Roque family."

The Spaniard moved to Liverpool in 2005 and he was part of the club's FA Youth Cup winning team during the 2005-06 season.

The following campaign he made his only first-team appearance for the Reds, coming on as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League tie against Galatasaray.

He undertook loan spells at Oldham Athletic, Xerez and Cartagena before being released by Liverpool in 2009.

Betis offered Roque the chance to kick-start his career in their reserve side before he was promoted to first-team duty.

A Liverpool statement read, "Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to send their thoughts to Miki's family at this sad time."