Marton Fulop, a former Sunderland and Hungary goalkeeper, passed away at the age of 32.
Marton Fulop, a former Sunderland and Hungary goalkeeper, died at the age of 32.
The announcement was published on the website of his first professional club, MTK Budapest, on Thursday (via BBC announcement). In 2013, he had a tumor removed from his arm.
According to ITV News, MTK issued a statement about Fulop’s death, saying, “We are deeply sorrowful and grieved to announce that Marton Fulop has died after a long illness.”
Between 2004 and 2012, Fulop played for a number of English clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town, in addition to the Black Cats.
He last played for Asteras Tripolis in 2013 before undergoing successful surgery.
According to MailOnline’s Joe Strange, Fulop planned to return to professional football when the tumor was removed:
“I am confident that after a few months, I will be physically and mentally prepared to continue playing football.” I’d like to exercise in between treatment rounds because the physicians say it’s fine and highly recommend it.”
According to the Black Cats’ website, Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne paid tribute to the club’s former player:
Numerous other clubs and players also expressed tribute, including former Tottenham defender Ledley King, a colleague of Fulop’s at his first English club:
Fulop played 24 times for Hungary’s national team.
