Former Japan defender dies after heart attack

Former Japan defender Naoki Matsuda has died aged 34 two days after suffering a heart attack during training, FIFA have confirmed.

Matsuda, who won 40 caps for his country and played for the hosts at the 2002 World Cup, was training with his third division club Matsumoto Yamaga when he fell ill.

“It is with a sad heart that I write to you today, having learned of the tragic passing of Naoki Matsuda – the legendary defender of the national team of Japan,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on www.fifa.com.

“On behalf of FIFA and the worldwide family of football, I wish to extend our condolences to you, to the Japanese football community and, most importantly, to Naoki Matsuda’s friends and loved ones.

“Please let them know that today the football community stands by their side.”

Matsuda, who spent 15 years with J.League side Yokohama F. Marinos, winning the title three times, played in all four of Japan’s matches at the 2002 World Cup as they reached the last 16.

His last cap came in 2005.