MONTEVIDEO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan footballer Franco Acosta, whose career included spells at Spanish clubs Villarreal and Racing Santander, has died at the age of 25.
Local authorities reported that Acosta disappeared on Saturday afternoon after trying to cross a river in the southern Uruguayan department of Canelones.
His body was found by searchers on Monday near the spot where he was seen for the last time, according to a Uruguayan navy spokesman.
"We sincerely regret the death of the Uruguayan footballer Franco Acosta, who was a member of the national team's youth squads," the Uruguayan Football Association said in a tweet. "Our condolences to his relatives, friends and team-mates."
Villarreal, for whom Acosta made 56 reserve-team appearances from 2015 to 2018, also paid tribute to their former player on social media.
"Deeply affected by your loss. We will always remember you, Franco. Rest in peace," the club said in on Twitter.
Acosta represented Uruguay at under-17 and under-20 level. He played for Uruguayan second division side Atletico Atenas at the time of his death. Enditem
