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Faryd Mondragón
Faryd Mondragón beat Roger Milla’s record for the oldest player ever to play in a World Cup finals match in 2014. Photograph: Jose Coelho/EPA
Faryd Mondragón beat Roger Milla’s record for the oldest player ever to play in a World Cup finals match in 2014. Photograph: Jose Coelho/EPA

Former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón in hospital

This article is more than 8 years old
Faryd Mondragón admitted to hospital in Cali on Tuesday
Oldest player to appear in World Cup finals at 43 years and three days

The former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón was taken to hospital on Tuesday after reportedly attempting to kill himself.

The Valle del Lili clinic in his home town of Cali confirmed that Mondragón, who became the oldest player at a World Cup in 2014, was admitted after suffering from a “metabolic imbalance”. The hospital later stated the 44-year-old “is in good condition and under medical observation”, although it did not say when he may be released.

The news came hours after Mondragón posted a concerning message on Instagram, which has since been deleted.

“There is only me who can judge my life and I’m tired of being judged by others without the possibility of defending myself,” he wrote.

Reports in the Colombian media suggested he had taken a large dose of antidepressants.

At the age of 43 years and three days, Mondragón beat Roger Milla’s record for the oldest player to play in a World Cup finals match during Colombia’s 4-1 win over Japan. The former Real Zaragoza, Galatasaray and Metz goalkeeper has since retired from football and started working as a pundit last year.

In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123

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