Cedric Roussel dead: Former Coventry City star dies age 45

Belgium are mourning the death of former footballer Cedric Roussel after his sudden passing on Saturday afternoon.

Roussel, who was capped three times by his country in 2003, played for the likes of Coventry and Wolves while in England during a long career in the game.

He enjoyed most of his success for Mons in Belgium in two separate spells with the club, firstly in 2003 on loan from Wolves and then between 2007 and 2010 as a permanent signing.

In 2003 with Mons, he was the top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League, finding the net 22 times in the season. 

After retiring in 2015, he began a career in real estate but his passing was announced at the age of 45.

Roussel was in England for four years in total as a player, though one was spent on loan in Belgium with Mons

Belgium led the tributes on social media, with Roussel having made three appearances for his country

Belgium led the tributes on Twitter, posting: ‘We send our condolences to the family and friends of Cedric Roussel’ accompanied by a photo of him playing for his country.

Coventry, where Roussel enjoyed a brief but positive partnership with Robbie Keane, posted: ‘Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former striker Cedric Roussel, at the age of just 45.

‘Cedric played 43 games for the Sky Blues from 1999-2001, scoring 11 goals. Our condolences are with his family and friends at this very sad time.’

Roussel began his career at La Louviere in his home country, where he made over 100 appearances before joining Coventry, initially on loan, in 1999.

After his loan spell, the move became permanent as he set up shop for what would be a four-year stay in England.

Coventry also shared a heartwarming message for the former forward on Saturday evening 

He played for various sides – pictured here turning out for Zulte Waregem in 2006 – before retiring in 2015

He scored two goals for Wolves during a brief stay at the club early on in the century

He moved onto play for Wolves, joining Mons on loan for the 2002/03 season, where he enjoyed his most successful campaign.

A move the Gent then followed, as well as spells at Rubin Kazan, Standard Liege, Zulte Waregem and Brescia, before moving permanently to Mons in 2007.

Three years late he left the club, enjoying brief spells at various sides, including back at La Louviere before calling it a day in the professional game.

He leaves behind one son, Cameron, who was born in 2001 to Roussel and former girlfriend Kirsty Wood.