Former Greece Under 21s international Nikos Tsoumanis (pictured) played for Greek lower division side Panthrakikos between 2014 and 2015.

KALAMARIA - Police are investigating the suspected murder of a Greek footballer after he was reportedly found suffocated in his car at the age of 31. 

Former Under-21 international Nikos Tsoumanis was found by the authorities in the coastal suburb of Kalamaria on Tuesday and was taken to hospital but could not be revived. 

The Athens-Macedonian News agency report that police are continuing to investigate his death, after he was found in his car at Nea Krini marina with his hands bound with a plastic tie-wrap.

Additionally, Greek outlet Metrosport report that he was found with a belt tied around his neck hours after his friends and family had reported him missing. 

Tsoumanis made two appearances for Greece U21s back in 2011, and was plying his trade for Makedonikos, having returned this summer 12 years after graduating from their academy.

He also enjoyed spells at clubs across Greece, including Corfu, Panthrakikos, Veria, Aris, Apollon Kalamaria and Xanthi.

A left back by trade, in total he made 126 appearances in his career, scoring four goals and assisting three more.