The death of the German goalkeeper, Robert Enke, has caused great shock in Germany and around the world.

The 32-year-old Germany and Hannover goalkeeper walked into the path of a train near his home at Neustadt am Rubenberge in Lower Saxony on Tuesday evening.

"The international football community has learned of the tragic death of Robert Enke. At this most difficult time, our thoughts are with his wife and family, to whom we send our heartfelt condolences," said FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter, who is currently on an official trip to Mexico.

Enke is survived by a widow and an eight month old adopted daughter, Leila. The adoption in May this year came three years after their two-year-old daughter died of a congenital heart defect.

He had been battling depression and was first treated for the illness in 2003. His widow Teresa said he feared their adopted daughter would be taken away if his illness became public knowledge.

Germany have called off their friendly with Chile in Cologne on Saturday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel contacted Enke's family.

"She communicated her shock and compassion to the widow of Robert Enke in a very personal letter," said government spokesman Christoph Steegmans.

President of the German Football Association, Theo Zwanziger, also expressed his condolences to Enke's family.

"We're shocked and deeply saddened. Our sincere condolences go to Robert Enke's wife and family. He was an extraordinary person, who had to overcome some terrible adversity in his life," Zwanziger said.

German football legend, Franz Beckenbauer, was almost lost for words over the tragedy.

"I'm very sad. When you learn of a tragedy like this, nothing else matters," Beckenbauer said.

Around 300 fans, players and locals laid flowers and lit candles at the gates of Enke's club, Hannover 96, on Tuesday night. The candles, laid out in his memory, formed the numerals '96'.

Enke played for Germany eight times in his career, including five qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.

HRF/MTM/AKM