A 17-year-old Malawian born footballer has died by suicide in UK after being released by Manchester City Junior Team.

The defender, who was born in Malawi and moved to the United Kingdom with his family as a baby, joined City in 2016 and played for their elite development squads before leaving the club.

Manchester City has since paid tribute to the youthful player Jeremy Wisten following the tragic death.

“The Manchester City family are saddened to learn of the passing of former Academy player Jeremy Wisten,” the club said a statement on Twitter.

“We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.”

The Manchester City family are saddened to learn of the passing of former Academy player Jeremy Wisten. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 25, 2020

Two of Wisten’s former teammates Cole Palmer and Tommy Doyle – who recently made his first-team debut – also posted tributes to the centre-back.

“You Will Be Forever Missed,” Palmer wrote on Instagram alongside a series of pictures and videos of himself and Wisten. “Fly High My Brother Rest In Paradise!”