Chris Marustik
Welsh footballer
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Christopher Marustik (10 August 1961 – 12 August 2015) was a Welsh professional footballer and Wales international.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Christopher Marustik[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 10 August 1961[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Swansea,[1] Wales | ||
| Date of death | 12 August 2015 (aged 54) | ||
| Place of death | Morriston,[1] Swansea, Wales | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2] | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1978–1985 | Swansea City | 152 | (11) |
| 1985–1987 | Cardiff City | 43 | (1) |
| 1987–1988 | Barry Town | ||
| 1988–1989 | Newport County | ||
| International career | |||
| 1982 | Wales | 6 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Club career
The son of a Czech immigrant, Marustik began his career at his hometown side Swansea City, making his way through the club's youth system. He made his professional debut for the club in August 1978 at the age of 17 in a 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the second round of the League Cup.[3]
He was forced to wait seven months before he made his league debut against Peterborough United. Marustik went on to become a regular in the Swansea lineup before leaving the club in October 1985 in a swap deal with Swansea's local rivals Cardiff City which saw Roger Gibbins move in the opposite direction. He made his debut against Gillingham before scoring his first, and what would later turn out to be his only, goal for the club on his home debut in a 3–2 win over Wigan Athletic. His time at Ninian Park was hampered by injuries and, after two years at the club,[4] he left to play non-league football for Barry Town and Newport County before moving to Australia.[5]
International career
Personal life and death
In December 2008, Marustik was arrested for drunk driving after testing nearly four times over the legal limit. During the court hearing he admitted to suffering from alcohol addiction. He was later banned from driving for three years. He has three daughters: Danielle, Isobelle and Natasha.[7]
Marustik died on 12 August 2015, aged 54, following a short illness [8][9]