Midfielder Jonathan 'Speedy' Gonzalez, from the 22 de Julio club, which plays in Ecuador's second division, was murdered this Friday in the city of Esmeraldas, after an armed attack, as confirmed in a statement by the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF).

The Federation regretted the death of the soccer player and expressed its condolences to the player's family, his teammates and all the members of the 22 de Julio club.

"The Ecuadorian Football Federation regrets with great sorrow the sensitive death of Jonathan Gonzalez. We accompany with deep sorrow his family, his teammates and the entire family of the 22 de Julio club. We join in their pain," said the Federation.

How was soccer player Jonathan Gonzalez murdered in Ecuador?

According to the Police, Gonzalez was shot to death inside his home, located in a sector called Vista al Mar, in the city of Esmeraldas. Another person was injured in the attack and died while being transferred to a medical center.

Gonzalez, 31, played until last Tuesday with 22 de Julio against Cumbaya, from Quito, and was training with his team in Esmeraldas to face Imbabura at home next Sunday.

The footballer had been part of the Ecuadorian under-20 team and was called up on several occasions to the Ecuadorian senior team, with which he played in the 2015 Copa America in Chile.

He debuted with Independiente del Valle in 2013, played in Mexico with Leones Negros, Leon, Dorados and also wore the shirt of the Paraguayan Olimpia.

He then returned to Ecuador to play in Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, Deportivo Cuenca, Delfin, Aucas, Mushuc Runa, Vargas Torres and 22 de July.