Vadim Krichimari, a former forward who played for Romania's Oțelul Galați during the 2021-2022 season, has passed away at the age of 38.

According to Offsideplus.az, the former footballer lost his battle against aggressive cancer.

The sad news was conveyed to fans by Oțelul Galați through their official social media accounts: "Our forward Vadim Krichimari, who wore the red-white-blue jersey during the 2021-2022 season, has moved on to a better world. We extend our condolences to his family!"

It is noted that the late footballer was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and extremely aggressive type of cancer, in March of this year.

A wide fundraising campaign was launched by his relatives for treatment, raising over €23,000. Despite being treated at a specialised clinic in Italy, doctors were unable to save his life.

Throughout his career, the forward played for various clubs in Moldova, Russia, and Romania, including Zimbru Chișinău, Dinamo-Auto, Dacia Buiucani, and Oțelul Galați. He also played for Azerbaijan's Mughan from 2009 to 2011.

In recent times, he had been working as a coach at a children's football school.

Vadim Krichimari is survived by his wife Victoria, his 11-year-old daughter Rianna, and his 5-year-old son Raul.