Christian Benitez dies aged 27

Former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez has died aged 27.

The news was confirmed by his agent and the Ecuador national team co-ordinator this morning, with complications related to appendicitis believed to be the cause of death.

Benitez, who began his career at El Nacional, finished the previous season with America before agreeing a move to El Jaish this summer.

A statement on El Jaish's official website read: "El Jaish mourns the death of our new Ecuadorean striker Christian Benitez, who passed away this morning.

"We give our sincerest condolences to the family of the player. He had only recently joined the club on a three-year contract from Club America in Mexico. Christian played for us for the first time yesterday, during the third round of the Sheikh Jassim Cup against Qatar Sports Club.

"He did not complain of any health problems so the sudden death of Benitez is a big shock for the team, staff and family. In his short time here he was known for his excellent character."

Benitez, who leaves behind his wife and two children, was the son of Ermen Benitez, one of Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorers.