Mirko Saric

Mirko Šarić (6 June 1978 – 4 April 2000) was an Argentine footballer who played as a midfielder for San Lorenzo de Almagro. Following his debut with the professional team in 1996, he was regarded as one of the most promising youth players in Argentine football.

Club career Šarić was born in Buenos Aires to Croatian parents. He joined the academy of San Lorenzo at a young age, and quickly progressed to make his first team debut in December 1996.

He was seen as one of Argentina's top youth prospects, and had been linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid before his death. After a promising start to his career, a decline in form after being played out of position led to him appearing more as a substitute. In December 1999, while playing in a reserve game against River Plate, Šarić suffered ruptured ligaments in his left knee, which kept him sidelined until his death in 2000.

Saric's last official match was on December the 3rd of 1999 against Vélez Sarsfield. He replaced Walter Erviti on 60'.

Šarić suffered with depression, which contributed to his death. He had expressed this to San Lorenzo manager Oscar Ruggeri, and was receiving psychiatric help.

Death On the morning of 4 April 2000, Šarić's mother found him dead in his room. He had committed suicide by hanging.