A footballer in Mozambique has tragically died after a crocodile attacked him whilst running on the banks of the country’s Zambesi river.

19 year old Estevao Alberto Gino, who plays for amateur side Atletico Mineiro de Tete, lost his life from the attack.

Goal.com reports the crocodile abruptly came out of the water as Estevao was running with friends, and took him by the waist before returning to the water.

“The crocodile came out of the water abruptly and took him by the waist. After that, the animal ran back into the water,” said the club’s head coach, Edy Carvalho.

“His two friends were very scared and they heard the screams, but there was nothing they could do. The crocodile was like five metres.”

The club has since confirmed the tragedy, paying tribute to Estevao on their official Facebook page.

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“We are mourning our player, our brother, our friend, our son and our eternal central defender Estevao Alberto Gino, only 19 years of age with a promising future, who was the victim of a crocodile on the banks of the Zambezi river,” reads the tribute.

“The CAMT sends our sincerest condolences to your family. It is an irreparable loss for all of us.

“Estevao was an example of obedience, respect and humility and leaves a huge void in our life.”