Police investigating suspected murder after Greek footballer found dead in car

Police are investigating a suspected murder after Greek footballer Nikos Tsoumanis was found dead in car.

The 31-year-old, a former under-21 international, was reported missing by his girlfriend and family just hours before authorities located him in the coastal suburb of Kalamaria on Tuesday morning.

Tsoumanis was then rushed to hospital, where doctors were sadly unable to revive him.

According to Greek media, medical and forensic reports state that the defender died from suffocation, with metrosport.gr reporting that tie wraps were used.

Police are continuing to probe the incident and will determine whether or not his death in the marina of Nea Krini, approximately six miles southeast of Thessaloniki, was of a suspicious nature.

Tsoumanis was found dead in his car on Tuesday ( Image:

Facebook)

Tsoumanis was playing for lower league side Makedonikos in the twilight of a journeyman career.

He returned to the club during the summer transfer window for a homecoming move after 12 years away, having graduated from their academy as a youngster and making his professional debut with the Neapolis-based outfit, situated in the north of the country.

His two appearances for Greece's under-21s came in 2011, featuring against Belgium and Germany.

The left-back played for eight other clubs in a career which saw him rack up 126 appearances, scoring four goals and assisting three.

He left Makedonikos for Skoda Xanthi in 2010, where he spent two seasons. His next move was to AO Kerkyra before departing within 12 months to join Aris Thessaloniki.

Tsoumanis then made a transfer the following summer to Panthrakikos before a two-month spell with PAE Veria when he subsequently returned to Aris, who he spent three years with.

One of Tsoumanis' two under-21 matches came against Germany ( Image:

Bongarts/Getty Images)

In a statement upon the news of his death that has Greek football in mourning, they said: "The unfortunate loss of Nikos Tsoumanis spread sadness throughout the family of our Association.

"PAE ARIS expresses its sincere condolences to his family."

Three years later and he left again to join Apollon Pontou prior a spell with PO Triglias last season before rejoining Makedonikos.

The club play in the Greek third tier, the Gamma Ethniki league.

In a format established in 2017-18, the division contains a whopping 106 teams, who are divided into eight groups based on geographical criteria.

Whichever teams finish in first place in each group qualify for a play-off tournament, consisting of two groups.

The pair of winners are then promoted to the second tier, the Super League 2.

Greece's top flight, the Super League, contains giants such ad Olympiacos, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos.

Tsoumanis' ex-employers Aris currently sit third-bottom of the table, with just two points from five games after finishing third last term.