Coventry City club crest on the side of the Ricoh Arena
Cedric Roussel, a former Coventry City player, has died at the age of 45.
Belgium is in grief following the untimely death of former footballer Cedric Roussel on Saturday afternoon.
Roussel, who was capped three times by his country in 2003, played for Coventry and Wolves in England throughout his long career.
He spent most of his time in Belgium with Mons, initially on loan from Wolves in 2003, and then as a permanent signing between 2007 and 2010.
He was the highest scorer in the Jupiler Pro League in 2003 with Mons, striking the goal 22 times.
He pursued a career in real estate after retiring in 2015, but he died at the age of 45.
Belgium led the tributes on Twitter, writing: ‘We express our condolences to Cedric Roussel’s family and friends,’ accompanied by a photo of him playing for his nation.
‘Coventry City are profoundly grieved to learn of the loss of our former striker Cedric Roussel, at the age of 45,’ said the club, where Roussel had a brief but productive connection with Robbie Keane.
‘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.
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.
