That a top Coventry City player has passed away is heartbreaking to hear.

After a sudden passing on Saturday afternoon, former football player Cedric Roussel left Belgium in mourning.

According to reports from the local press, the 45-year-old had a heart attack in Belgium while he was seated on a terrace at a Mons marketplace.

Tragically, despite their best efforts, emergency personnel were unable to save Roussel’s lifE.

Throughout his lengthy playing career in England, Roussel—who was captained by his nation three times in 2003—played for teams like Coventry and Wolves.

The majority of his achievements for Mons in Belgium came during two distinct stints with the team: first, while on loan from Wolves in 2003, and then, as a permanent signing, from 2007 to 2010.

With 22 goals in a season while playing for Mons, he led the Jupiler Pro League in scoring in 2003.

He started a real estate career after retiring in 2015, but his death at the age of 45 was made public.

With a picture of Cedric Roussel representing his nation and the caption, “We send our condolences to the family and friends of Cedric Roussel,” Belgium took the lead in the Twitter tributes.

The Coventry post said, “Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former striker Cedric Roussel, at the age of just 45.” Roussel and Robbie Keane had a brief but productive partnership.

With 43 games played, Cedric scored 11 goals. We send our sympathies to his friends and family during this extremely difficult time.

Before moving on loan to Coventry in 1999, Roussel started his career at La Louviere in his native country, where he made over 100 appearances.