GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 30: Todd Cantwell of Rangers running during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 30, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Former Hearts, Leeds United, and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas dies at the age of 36 after a battle with sickness, and former teammates pay tribute to the’really wonderful person’ in the aftermath of his untimely passing.
Former Hearts, Leeds, and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas has died at the age of 36, according to the Lithuanian Football Federation.
During a six-year stint at Tynecastle, Zaliukas captained Hearts to Scottish Cup final victory over Hibernian in 2012. He later had shorter stints at Elland Road and Ibrox.
The announcement came during Hearts’ Scottish Cup semi-final versus Hibs.
‘Marius Zaliukas represented the Lithuanian national team from 2006 to 2016 and managed to score one goal,’ the LFF said in a statement.
‘Marius inspired a generation of young footballers, and his contribution to Lithuanian football will not be forgotten.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marius’ family on behalf of the Lithuanian football community.’
After joining Hearts from FBK Kaunas, Zaliukas spent the most of his club career in Scotland.
Hearts was ‘devastated’ to learn of his death and expressed sympathies to his family.
‘Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is grieved by the death of Scottish Cup-winning captain Marius Zaliukas. We will pay a complete homage later, but for now, we express our condolences to Marius’ family and friends. That victory was for you, captain.’
Robbie Neilson, the club’s head coach and a former teammate of Zaliukas, repeated that their victory against Hibernian was dedicated to him and that he would go down in Scottish Premiership legend.
‘It’s fitting that we beat our archrivals Hibs in a Scottish Cup game today,’ remarked the Hearts manager.
‘Because when you think of Marius, the big one is him lifting the cup as captain when Hibs beat them 5-1. Hopefully, this can provide some solace to the family during this trying time.
‘He was an integral component of the club. That 5-1 triumph in the Scottish Cup will live on in legend. As a result, we’re all devastated.’
Meanwhile, the Rangers, for whom Zaliukas played between 2014 and 2015, posted a tribute message on social media, expressing their’shock’ at his death.
‘Rangers FC is surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of former player Marius Zaliukas, who died at the age of 36. Rangers’ directors, management, and players are thinking about Marius’ family during this sad and trying time.’
Leeds City paid respect to their former player on social media.
‘The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with the friends and family of former defender Marius Alikas, who has sadly passed away at the age of 36,’ read the statement.
On November 4, a memorial service will be held in Lithuania.
