Costa Rica national football team mourning sudden death of assistant coach

Costa Rica's national football team was recently in Europe to play some friendly matches, but 'Los Ticos', as their nickname goes, were shocked by the death of a staff member.

According to a statement on the Costa Rica Football Federation's website, assistant coach Erick Rodriguez Santamaria suffered a medical problem as he travelled from Newcastle to Zagreb with the team, where the Costa Ricans' next match took place. Due to the issue, Rodriguez stayed in Amsterdam, where there was a stopover, to get medically assessed.

"That same day the Federation made contact with his wife to travel to the Netherlands, who managed to arrive last Monday. However, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, his health condition worsened and sadly Erick Rodriguez passed away next to his wife," the statement added.

Costa Rica first played against Saudi Arabia in Newcastle on 8 September, a game they won 3-1.

'Los Ticos' then traveled to Zagreb, where they played against the United Arab Emirates and lost 1-4.

Shockingly enough, the Costa Rica team heard about Rodriguez's death during their game against the UAE.

"I found out in the first half. I tried to be as professional as possible in the second half because the game had to be finished," Spanish newspaper 'Marca' quotes caretaker manager Claudio Vivas from a video by the Costa Rican Football Federation.

Prior to working for his native country, Rodriguez managed the national team of Liberia.

After that, he joined ADR Jicaral, AD San Carlos and Santos FC.

Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @fedefutbolcrc