Fans all in tears as Sunderland top player was found dead

Marton Fulop, a former goalkeeper for Sunderland and Hungary, died at the age of 32.

On Thursday, the announcement was made on the website of his first professional club, MTK Budapest (via BBC announcement). He had a tumor removed from his arm in 2013.

MTK published a statement about Fulop’s death, telling ITV News, “We are deeply sorrowful and grieved to announce that Marton Fulop has died after a long illness.”

Fulop played for a number of English clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town, in addition to the Black Cats, between 2004 and 2012.

In 2013, he played for Asteras Tripolis before undergoing successful surgery.

Fulop intended to return to professional football after the tumor was removed, according to MailOnline’s Joe Strange:

“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 doctors say it’s safe and recommended.”

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

Numerous other teams and players paid tribute, including former Tottenham defender Ledley King, Fulop’s first English club colleague:

Fulop made 24 appearances for Hungary’s national team.