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Romania international Daniel Prodan dies following a heart attack

Daniel Prodan in action for Romania at the 1994 World Cup
Image: Daniel Prodan in action for Romania at the 1994 World Cup

Former Steaua Bucharest and Atletico Madrid defender Daniel Prodan has died at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack.

Capped 54 times for Romania, Prodan was part of the squad which reached the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup, playing in all five matches in the USA.

Prodan was signed by Rangers from Atletico for £2.2m in the summer of 1998 and did not make a single appearance for the club prior to his departure in 2001.

The Scottish club signed the player without conducting a medical which may have revealed he had a serious knee injury.

Romanian journalist Dorin Chiotea, a close friend of Prodan, broke the news about the player's death on social media.

"Daniel Prodan died a few hours ago of a heart attack," Chiotea stated. "He was 44. I was a great friend and his premature end grieves me deeply. It's the worst exclusive news of my career.

"The tragedy occurred in the Romania player's house. The collapse was seen by his wife, Licinia, who called for help."

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Daniel Prodan leaves the pitch after a bounce-match with Rangers
Image: Prodan leaves the pitch after a bounce-match with Rangers

Rangers issued a statement which read: "Rangers Football Club is shocked and saddened to hear former player Daniel Prodan has died, aged 44.

"The board of directors, management, players and staff at the club send our sincere condolences to Daniel's wife, family and friends at this very difficult time."

Jonatan Johansson, a former Rangers team-mate, posted on Twitter: "So sad and shocked that Daniel Prodan has passed away. Great team-mate, such a positive and fun loving person."

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