A professional soccer player has died of a heart attack during a friendly game in Sao Paulo state, according to reports Monday.
Alex Sandro de Souza Pereira, who played this year for Matonense of Sao Paulo's fourth division, collapsed during a friendly game between amateur teams Sunday in the city of Avare, about 600 kilometres west of Rio, the Estado de S. Paulo website reported.
His teammates tried unsuccessfully to revive him. The 29-year-old Pereira was placed in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital, where he died, the site said.
In 2004, Sao Caetano defender Serginho collapsed and died on the field at Morumbi stadium during a first division game with Sao Paulo. A year earlier, defender Max of Botafogo dropped dead during a practice session.
Heart problems also forced Goias striker Gabricio Carvalho to take a leave of absence for two years, but doctors say that with reconditioning he can return to activity next year.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
