Besian Idrizaj scored three goals in 12 caps for the Austrian under-21 side

Swansea City have retired their number 40 shirt in honour of striker Besian Idrizaj who died aged just 22 of a suspected heart attack.

Good friend and fellow striker Shefki Kuqi represented the Championship club at the former Austria Under-21 star's funeral on Tuesday.

Idrizaj died in his sleep while at his family home in Austria on Saturday.

The former Liverpool youngster was laid to rest in a ceremony in Kosovo near the birthplace of his Albanian father.

"It's a very sad time for everyone," Sousa told the Swansea website.

"It's sad for all the Swansea family, but more importantly his own close family. Our whole-hearted condolences go out to them."

The exact cause of Idrizaj's death has not been established but a heart attack is suspected.

Idrizaj spent three years at Liverpool after signing from LASK Linz in 2005 and was sold to FC Eilenburg three years later.

606: DEBATE To have one taken at such a young age is just terrible TheBennifactor

He joined the Swans in the summer of 2009, debuting against Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup in August.

Idrizaj also had loan spells with Luton Town and Crystal Palace while at Liverpool, having been named Austria's young player of the year before signing for the Anfield club.

He was honoured with a minute silence in Austria's U21 match with Wales on Tuesday in Parndorf.

Austria's senior team will also remember Idrizaj in a minute silence before their international friendly with Croatia on Wednesday.

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