Nathael Julan: Football mourns as Guingamp striker dies in car crash, aged 23

FRENCH striker Nathael Julan has died in a car accident aged 23.

Local reports say the Guingamp forward was involved in a crash on his way home from training, near the town of Saint-Brieuc, in north-west France.

The Ligue 2 side confirmed the news with an online statement.

It read: "The club had the immense pain of learning this afternoon of the accidental death of their player Nathael Julan.

"On this tragic day all the members of the club join together to send their condolences to Nathael's family."

The official Ligue 1 account also paid tribute to the young striker, posting: "We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Nathael Julan and Guingamp."

Guingamp cancelled a friendly with Concarneau on Sunday due to the tragic the news.

Julan joined Guingamp in Ligue 1 in 2018 but began his professional career with Le Havre.

He made 10 appearances for Guingamp last season before he joined Valenciennes on loan for the remainder of the campaign, scoring twice.

The striker then re-joined his parent club this summer after the side were relegated to Ligue 2.