Atletico Madrid mourn the death of youth player Minchola

Atletico Madrid are mourning the death of 14-year-old youth player Christian Minchola, who joined Los Rojiblancos' academy in 2013.

Christian played for Atletico from the 2013/2014 season and he was rising up through the ranks at the club.

"We are saddened by the news of our player's death and deeply regret his loss," Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said in a statement posted on the club's website.

"Atletico Madrid and the entire Atletico family will be by the side of Christian's family and friends during these moments of immense pain."

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin also paid his respects to Christian.

"The feeling of helplessness that is generated in situations like this is horrible," he said.

"In the last few days people very close to me have died, some from coronaviruses and others from other illnesses, and the feeling of not being able to say goodbye to them as they deserve, as well as, in Christian's case, the feeling of injustice that is so great, leaves your heart broken.

"Christian was only 14 years old.

"From here, we send a very strong kiss to all his family and for all those of the great Atletico family, who are suffering similar situations.

"From today, our flag will fly at half-mast for Christian and for all the Atletico fans who have died in the last few weeks."