Malawian youth-team player Jeremy Wisten has taken his own life in the United Kingdom having fallen out of favour at Manchester City
Wisten, who played as a centre-back, was born in Malawi and joined City’s Elite Squad at U13 level in 2016.
Wisten left for the UK with his parents when he was a year old. He signed for City Academy for their under-13 elite squad.
The English club have paid tribute to their former youth-team player following his death at the age of 17.
17-year-old Jeremy Wisten has tragically passed away. He took his own life after falling into depression following his release from Manchester City's academy 😔
More needs to be done to help young footballers at this stage in their life and career 🙏
RIP Jeremy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nvqGGQKslc
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) October 26, 2020
“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.”
Current City players Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte responded to the club’s tweet, with French defender Laporte writing: “Horrible news… RIP young man.”
Cole Palmer and Tommy Doyle – who played alongside Wisten in City’s youth teams – also posted tributes to the defender.
“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!”
