Former Honduras full-back Juan Carlos Garcia has died at the age of 29 after a long battle with leukaemia.

Carlos Garcia played for English League One side Wigan Athletic having joined the Latics on a free transfer in July 2013.

He made a single appearance for the team in a 5-0 defeat by Manchester City in the EFL Cup.

Carlos Garcia then joined Spanish side Tenerife on loan in the summer of 2014 before returning to the club after being diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2015.

Speaking about his tragic death, Wigan Athletic chairman David Sharpe said that: “This is tragic news and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

“We have offered what support we can but, despite the best possible treatment at Christie’s Hospital, Juan Carlos has tragically not been able to beat this terrible illness.

“At just 29 years old, he was far too young to be taken and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” Sharpe further stated.

Carlos Garcia, who was involved with the Honduras senior national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, was granted permission to stay back in the UK to continue treatment despite the expiration of his Wigan contract in 2016.