Marton Fulop, Former Sunderland and Hungary Goalkeeper, Dies at Age 32

Former Sunderland and Hungary goalkeeper Marton Fulop has died at the age of 32.

The news was announced on Thursday on the website of his first professional club, MTK Budapest (via BBC News). He previously had a tumour removed from his arm in 2013.

Per ITV News, MTK expressed their grief at Fulop's death in a statement: "We are deeply sorrowful and grieved to announce that after a long illness, Marton Fulop has died."

Along with the Black Cats, Fulop also represented a number of other English clubs between 2004 and 2012, including Manchester City, Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

He last played for Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis in 2013 before he successfully underwent surgery.

Following the removal of the tumour, Fulop had designs on returning to professional football, per MailOnline's Joe Strange:

"I am sure that after a few months I will be ready both physically and mentally to continue playing football. I'd like to train between treatment courses, as the doctors have said this is fine and heartily recommend it."

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne paid tribute to the club's former player, per the Black Cats' website:

"

We are devastated to hear of Marton’s passing. He was a genuinely lovely man, liked and respected by everyone at the club during his four years with us. It is desperately sad when we lose a member of our Sunderland family but to lose one so young and in such circumstances is simply heart-breaking. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Marton’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.

"

Tributes were also paid by numerous other clubs and players, including former Tottenham defender Ledley King, a teammate of Fulop's at his first English club:

Fulop represented the Hungarian national team on 24 occasions.