Former Cardiff and England Under-21 midfielder Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that Whittingham was fighting for his life in hospital after a tragic accident in a seaside pub on the evening of March 7.

The former England Under-21 international had been on a life support machine in hospital for the past 12 days with his family at his bedside.

Whittingham, who ended his career with Blackburn in 2018, made over 500 appearances during a career that started at Aston Villa in 2002. He was a stalwart for Cardiff and played for the club for 10 years.

A statement from former club Cardiff read: ‘It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. 

‘We are heartbroken. The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation.

‘Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.

‘First and foremost, Peter was a family man – and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Then, as a professional footballer – as a Bluebird – he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.

‘The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.’ 

The father-of-two was out with friends watching the England v Wales clash in the Six Nations when he fell down stairs at 10pm.

He suffered a major head injury and was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but did not regain consciousness.

South Wales Police also said: ‘We can confirm that former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham has died at the University Hospital of Wales earlier today (Thursday).

A file of evidence is being prepared for H M Coroner. Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Whittingham’s family and friends on this occasion.’

Whittingham, who last played for Blackburn in 2018, made over 500 appearances during a career that started at Aston Villa in 2002.

In his teens Whittingham won the FA Youth Cup with Villa, beating Wayne Rooney’s Everton side.

He was a stalwart for Cardiff and played for the club for 10 years between 2007 and 2017, playing 457 times for the Bluebirds and scoring 96 goals.

It’s the second tragedy to hit the Championship club after their new striker Emilliano Sala died in a plane crash 14 months ago.

Whittingham’s assured displays in midfield and brilliant left foot saw him linked with a number of Premier League teams throughout his career.

He played just one campaign in the Premier League, appearing in 32 games and netting three times.

He has been recognised as one of the most consistent and talented players in the Championship in recent history, with one particularly prolific campaign in 2009-10 seeing him score 20 goals from midfield.

Whittingham also played for the England Under 21s but never made it to the senior squad.

He made 17 outings for the Three Lions youth side after making his debut against Holland in 2004.

He was part of the Cardiff side that reached the FA Cup final against Portsmouth in 2008 and the 2012 League Cup final against Liverpool. He started both games but the club narrowly missed out on the trophy on both occasions.

Whittingham retired from football a year ago and ran a property development business with his wife Amanda from their £1.5million home in the Vale of Glamorgan.

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