Photos: Former Pompey Cameroonian midfielder Valéry Mezague found dead at age 30

Former Portsmouth and Cameroon midfielder Valery Mezague has died, aged just 30.

The Marseille-born star, who also played 7 times for Bury last year, was found dead in his apartment by police.

Mezague spent a year at Pompey on loan from Montpellier, but left the club to join former Fratton Park boss Alain Perrin at Sochaux.

His untimely death was confirmed by current employers Sporting Toulon Var, who play in the fifth tier of French football.

porting Toulon Var: "It is with great sadness that Sporting Toulon informs you of the death of Valery Mezague."

Former clubs Bury and Montpellier also took to Twitter to express their shock and sorrow at learning of Mezague's death.

And ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who now plays for AC Milan, said he was "shocked to hear the sad news about Valéry Mezague."

Sad & shocked to hear the sad news about Valéry Mezague RIP my friend,my thought & prayers goes out to his family😞🙏 pic.twitter.com/Xnfz1clMWK
— Michael Essien (@MichaelEssien) November 15, 2014

Club are saddened to hear about the sudden death of former player Valery Mezague #buryfc
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) November 15, 2014