da fazobetai： Mohamed Salah was among the football stars who paid tribute to his Egypt team-mate Ahmed Refaat after he died of a cardiac arrest overnight.

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Refaat passed away in early hours of morningEgyptian winger suffered cardiac arrestSalah paid tribute to national team-mateWHAT HAPPENED?

At just 31 years old, Refaat passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning. Egyptian side Modern Future confirmed that the winger was taken to hospital but he was soon pronounced dead. Ashraf Eissa, the head of the medical team that was following Refaat's case, has told media in Egypt that Refaat's heart stopped in the early hours of Saturday morning.

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As Egypt players and fans woke up to the devastating news, Salah posted an image of his team-mate on social media, writing in the caption: "May God grant patience to his family and all his loved ones."

EGYPT IN MOURNING

Refaat's health issues started when he collapsed during an Egyptian Premier League match on March 11 and was placed in an induced coma for nine days. Just over a week ago, the ex-Zamalek player gave an interview about his health concerns and confirmed he would not be able to play again.

GettyEGYPT FA PAYS TRIBUTE

The Egyptian Football Association also spoke out, saying that the governing body's directors and staff "mourn Ahmed Refaat, the player of the national team and Modern Sport Club, praying to God Almighty to have mercy on him and inspire his family and relatives with patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return."