Christian Benitez dies at 27

Ecuadorian footballer Christian Benitez London - Arab Today El Jaish striker Christian Benitez has died, aged 27, the Qatari football club has announced. The Ecuador international joined El Jaish from Club America, for £10 million, two weeks ago. Initial reports had claimed he died in a car crash, although reports in his native Ecuador say the actual cause of death was cardiac arrest due to complications from appendicitis. An El Jaish statement did not eloborate on the cause of the player's death and said that he hadn't complained of any health problems. It read: "The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player. "Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday's match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems. "His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character." Benitez was on loan at Birmingham City for the 2009-10 season, making 36 appearances for the Blues. He won 58 caps for Ecuador, including appearances at the 2006 World Cup. Manchester United winger Antonia Valencia led the tributes to his compatriot. Valencia took to Twitter to pay his respects, including posting a touching photo of the pair together.