Stevenage FC will hold a minute’s silence ahead of Saturday’s game with Notts County in memory of former player and Love Island star Michael Thalassitis.

The Comet: Michael Thalassitis, left, and Luke Freeman celebrate the consolation goal. Photo: Keith DobneyMichael Thalassitis, left, and Luke Freeman celebrate the consolation goal. Photo: Keith Dobney (Image: Nigel_Luckhurst)

The 26-year-old took his own life on Saturday, March 16, after his body was found in a park near his childhood home in Edmonton, north London.

Stevenage – who gave Thalassitis his first professional football contract in 2011 – confirmed they will remember their former player with a minute’s silence ahead of the League Two game at the Lamex Stadium.

A minute’s applause was held during the 19th minute – Thalassitis’ squad number at Boro – of Stevenage’s 2-2 draw with Macclesfield Town last weekend.

He joined Stevenage’s youth system ahead of the 2010-11 season, earning his first contract after scoring 17 goals in 26 games.

The Comet: Michael Thalassitis prepares to fire the Saints into the lead. Picture: LEIGH PAGEMichael Thalassitis prepares to fire the Saints into the lead. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Archant)

The striker played for Boro six times between 2011 and 2014 after making his debut in a 1-0 away defeat to Milton Keynes Dons in August 2011, with six loan spells while still on Stevenage’s books.

After being released by Stevenage in May 2014, the Cyprus U19 and U21 international went on to play for Bishop’s Stortford, Chelmsford City, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead Town, among others, before signing his last football contract in February 2017 in a second spell at Margate.

In the summer of that year he appeared on ITV’s Love Island, where he was affectionately known as ‘Muggy Mike’ after being a hit with the ladies.

Last year, Mike joined the fourth series of Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating, and was being represented by Neon Management at the time of his death.

The Comet: Michael Thalassitis wheels away after scoring during his time at St Albans City. Picture: Bob WakeleyMichael Thalassitis wheels away after scoring during his time at St Albans City. Picture: Bob Wakeley (Image: Robert Walkley)

Samaritans is available 24/7 every day of the year, to listen and offer support to anyone who is struggling to cope. Visit samaritans.org to find details of their local branch.