A former Stoke City defender Dionatan Teixeira has died at the age of 25 from a suspected heart attack.

Teixeira joined Stoke in 2014 having had trials at a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester City. However, the Brazilian’s time in England was blighted by injury and he made only two substitute appearances for Stoke in three years at the club.

Stoke City in a statement said, “The thoughts of all at Stoke City are with his family and friends.”

After his arrival at FC Sheriff in February, Teixeira made 10 appearances for the club as he helped guide them to win the Moldovan National Division title.

Teixeira was in his native, Brazil when he was taken ill and he died on Sunday after a suspected heart attack, according to his current club, FC Sheriff, a Moldovan team who are playing in the Europa League this season.