Miki Roque, Former Liverpool Defender, Dies Aged 23 After Battle With Cancer

Miki Roque, a former Liverpool youth team player, has died aged 23 after a a battle against cancer.

Roque, playing for Real Betis, underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his pelvis last year, after he was diagnosed with the disease in March 2011. However he passed away Sunday night in Barcelona.

The Tremp-born Spain under-19 international made just one appearance for the Anfield club - against Galatasaray in the 2006/07 Champions League campaign - and won the FA Youth Cup in 2006.

A Reds statement said: "Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to send their thoughts to Miki's family at this sad time."

The defender-cum-defensive midfielder was loaned out to Oldham Athletic, Xerez and Cartagena whilst with the Merseyside club.