Poland legend Smolarek dies aged 54

Former Poland international Wlodzimierz Smolarek has died at the age of 54.

The ex-striker, who was a part of the Poland squad which finished third at the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, passed away at his home in Aleksandrow Lodzki. The cause of his death is unknown.

Smolarek won two domestic league titles with Polish club Widzew Lodz, before moving abroad to play for Eintracht Frankfurt, Feyenoord and Utrecht.

He made 60 appearances for the Polish national team between 1980 and 1992, scoring 13 goals.

In 2009, Smolarek was hired by the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) to oversee the country’s youth program.

His son Euzebiusz is also a footballer, who is currently plying his trade at ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie.