Former Latvia international Gints Freimanis dies of cancer aged 38

Former Latvia defender Gints Freimanis has passed away aged 38 after a long battle with cancer.

Latvia’s national football association (LFF) confirmed his death on Tuesday and said: ‘Gints Freimanis will always be remembered by fans as a relentless fighter on the field who was ready for anything for his team.’

‘At this sad moment, the LFF expresses its deepest condolences to Gint’s family, relatives, 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 a groin operation.

However, in January of this year, Freimanis was informed that the cancer had unfortunately spread to his brain. 

Former Latvia international Gints Freimanis has died aged 38 after a long battle with cancer

The 38-year-old defender retired from football in January having played for Latvia 13 times

Upon hearing the bad news, the 38-year-old retired from football and told Latvian donation website Ziedot in January: ‘Unfortunately, during routine examinations on January 17, metastases in my head were discovered. 

‘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, chalking up 13 international appearances in total.

His only goal for Latvia came in August 2017, when he scored against Hungary.

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