Marton Fulop: Former Sunderland and Spurs goalkeeper dies aged 32

The Hungarian stopper had a tumour removed from his arm in 2013

Marton Fulop in 2013 (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Premier League goalkeeper Marton Fulop has died at the age of 32.

His first club, MTK Budapest, announced the news.

Fulop played in England between 2004 and 2010, with his most successful spell at Sunderland, with whom he made 44 league appearances. He also spent time at Tottenham early in his career and had loan spells with Leicester, Stoke City and Manchester City. His final club in England was West Brom, where he spent the 2011/12 season before departing for Greek side Asteras Tripoli.

In 2013, Fulop had a tumour removed from his arm, an operation that was successful enough that he was told he could return to playing, although he never did.

A statement on MTK's official website read: "We are deeply sorrowful and grieved to announce that after a long illness, Marton Fulop has died."

Fulop made 24 appearances for Hungary in a career that also included stints with Chesterfield, Coventry and Ipswich Town.

His former clubs and others have been quick to pay tribute.

Ipswich Town wrote: "The Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former 'keeper, Marton Fulop. Rest in peace, Marton. Our thoughts are with Marton's friends and family at this immensely difficult time. He was aged just 32."

Arsenal wrote: "The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal Football Club are with the friends and family of Marton Fulop. May he rest in peace"

Everton wrote: "We’re sad to hear news of former Premier League goalkeeper Marton Fulop’s untimely passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family."

Chelsea wrote: "All at Chelsea send our condolences to the family and friends of Marton Fulop, who played against us many times. May he rest in peace."

The Independent's columnist Danny Higginbotham wrote: "So sad to hear the news of Marton Fulop. Spent a lot of time with him @SunderlandAFC one of the good guys. Thoughts with his family."

Budapest-born Fulop joined Spurs from his first club, MTK, at the age of 21 in the summer of 2004 but did not make a first team appearance for them.

Loan spells at Chesterfield, Coventry and Sunderland followed before he made the move to Wearside permanently in January 2007.

He stayed with the Black Cats until 2010, making more than 40 appearances - although he also had loan stints at Leicester and Stoke during that time.

Manchester City signed Fulop on an emergency loan in 2010 because of injuries to regular number one Shay Given and back-up keepers Stuart Taylor and David Gonzalez, while current England number one Joe Hart was on loan at Birmingham.

The Hungarian made just one appearance for City before signing a two-year deal with Ipswich in 2010. The Suffolk side were managed by Roy Keane, who signed him at Sunderland.

After more than 30 appearances for Ipswich, just one followed in a one-year spell at West Brom, before he joined Greek side Asteras Tripoli in 2012.