Former Latvia international Gints Freimanis dies of cancer aged 38 – as the country’s FA honors the defender for being a ‘relentless fighter’
- Gints Freimanis has died aged 38 after a long battle with cancer
- The former Latvian defender retired in January after metastases spread to his brain
- Freimanis has registered 13 international appearances in total, scoring once in 2017
Former Latvian defender Gints Freimanis has died aged 38 after a long battle with cancer.
The Latvian National Football Association (LFF) confirmed his death on Tuesday and said: “Fans will always remember Gints Freimanis as a relentless fighter on the pitch who was ready for anything for his team.”
“At this sad time, the LFF expresses its deepest condolences to Gint’s family, loved ones, friends, colleagues and the entire Latvian football community.”
The former right-back was diagnosed with stage four skin cancer in October 2021 and subsequently underwent groin surgery.
However, in January this year, Freimanis was informed that the cancer had unfortunately spread to his brain.
Former Latvian international Gints Freimanis has died aged 38 after a long battle with cancer
The 38-year-old defender retired from football in January after playing 13 times for Latvia
Hearing the bad news, the 38-year-old retired from football and told Latvian donations website Ziedot in January: “Unfortunately, during routine check-ups on January 17, metastases in my head were discoveries.
‘I need your help to continue the treatment. May God have mercy !
Freimanis took up arms with teams in Latvia, Germany and Ireland during his playing career, making 13 international appearances in total.
His only goal for Latvia came in August 2017, when he scored against Hungary.
