Footballer's haunting final five words to mother before 19-year-old died after drowning in his own stomach acid

A teenage footballer’s final words to his mother have been revealed after his death following a mystery illness.

Luca Manolache, 19, played for Romanian team Metaloglobus Bucure’ti until August 2024 before a series of worrying health incidents forced him to stop playing.

He reportedly suffered from prolonged fatigue, dizziness, chills, and bloody stools, and struggled to get through the first half of a football match in recent months.

According to the Mirror, during one match, his symptoms became so severe that an ambulance had to be called after Luca complained his vision turned black. 

His mother, Ana, told Romanian media he had called her after feeling unwell while out with a family member on February 28.

Manolache had been on the phone to his mother as an ambulance was called to take him to hospital. 

Manolache played for Romanian team Metaloglobus Bucure’ti before retiring last year

He reportedly said: ‘Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore.’ He then proceeded to ask her: ‘Do you think I’m dying?’ 

Ana rushed to the County Hospital in Targoviște, Romania, to be with him but was informed on the way that Luca had sadly passed away. 

According to an autopsy verdict, the cause of death was that he drowned in his own stomach acid. 

After vomiting large amounts of blood, his body reportedly began to negatively react with his stomach acid, which lead to him drowning. 

Posting on their Instagram, Metaloglobus Bucure’ti wrote: ‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field. 

‘The last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, playing 10 minutes from the reserve position. 

‘Following the game against CS Afumati, the player complained of fatigue during training, which led the technical staff to stop him from training and recommend thorough medical examinations. 

‘Rest in peace dear ‘Mano’. Sincere condolences to the grieving family, the entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments.’