MOSCOW, September 19 (RIA Novosti) - Brazilian striker Nilton Mendes, who played for Kazakhstan soccer club FC Shakhtyor Karagandy, died on Monday of a heart attack at the age of 30, the UEFA Web site said.
Mendes, who had played in the Central Asian country since 1999, died after a club training session. He scored 79 goals in his 200 league appearances in Kazakhstan.
In 2000, the Brazilian was voted Player of the Year after scoring 21 goals in one season for Astana.
UEFA quoted Shakhtyor president Grigori Loria as saying: "Tomorrow, before the match against FC Kaisar Kyzylorda, we will remember Nilton with a minute's silence. Before Nilton's body is taken home to Brazil, there will be a chance for everyone to bid a last goodbye to him."
