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Swansea City star Jefferson Montero has dedicated his first goal for the club to a former international teammate who tragically died from a heart attack aged just 27.

The Ecuadorian winger stooped to head home the opener for Garry Monk’s men in their 2-0 win over Stoke on the weekend with Ki Sung-Yueng adding the second late on.

Montero, who joined the Swans from Mexican club Morelia for £4m last summer, said afterwards he was delighted to open his Swans account, but he took to social media to dedicate the goal to Christian Benitez, also known as Chucho.

Montero tweeted in English and Spanish on Saturday, honouring Benitez and dedicating the goal to him on the day after what would have been his 29th birthday. Montero wrote: ‘Happy Birthday in the sky my brother #chucho11. That goal was for you.’

Benitez played alongside Montero in the Ecuador national side until his death on July 29, 2013. Whilst at Qatari club El Jaish, Benitez, who had a season in Britain at Birmingham City previously, was admitted to hospital complaining of pains in his abdomen.

A few hours later he died from complications arising from cardiac arrest. The tragedy hit Ecuador very hard with tens of thousands of people queuing to view Benitez’s body ahead of his funeral.

Ecuador retired Benitez’s number 11 shirt and Manchester United’s Ecuadorian international, Antonio Valencia, had Bentiez’s number tattooed on his arm in tribute.

Montero has proved a big hit with the Swans in his first season and, as well as honouring his former teammate, he said he was delighted to get off the mark for his new side.

Gallery: The pick of the images from Swansea's 2-0 win over Stoke

“I’m very happy to score my first goal for Swansea,” said the 25-year-old.

“It was great to celebrate in front of all the fans with my team-mates. I really enjoyed it, it was an amazing moment for me. I wasn’t worried too much that I hadn’t scored before because I’ve been helping my team-mates by making some of their goals.

“It’s great to score, but the important thing is that the team got three points. I’ve really enjoyed my first season in the Premier League with Swansea. Everyone at the club has been really good to me and the fans have been fantastic."