Jorge Bolano, a former World Cup player, has tragically died at the age of 47.
Reports indicate that the former midfielder suffered a heart attack after celebrating a family birthday in Cucuta, Colombia.
He was quickly taken to a nearby medical clinic, but doctors were unable to save him.
Fellow players and fans have expressed their condolences on social media following the announcement of Bolano`s death.
Gianluigi Buffon, Bolano`s former teammate at Parma, remembered him as: “Jorge was an unforgettable friend and teammate, a constant presence in a dressing room full of exceptional players.”
Buffon added, “We played together and achieved victories during the successful period of Parma.”
“On the field, he was a tireless fighter, and off the field, I will always remember his kindness and humanity, which made him a role model. We will always carry you in our hearts, rest in peace, my friend.”
Bolano began his professional career with the Colombian team Atletico Junior in 1993 and played for six years in Atlantico before moving to Italy.
In Italy, he joined Parma, where he played alongside Buffon and won the Italian Cup in the 2001/02 season.
Bolano also had loan spells at Sampdoria and Lecce before joining Modena in 2007.
In 2010, he returned to Colombia to play for Cucuta Deportivo, where he finished his playing career two years later before retiring.
Bolano represented the Colombian national team 34 times, scoring one goal.
He was part of the Colombian squad at the 1998 World Cup in France.
