Former AC Milan and Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic has died on the age of 53 following a long battle with leukaemia.
The ex-Yugoslavia defender, who gained the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade as a participant in 1991, first introduced he had leukaemia in 2019.
He was efficiently handled however was recognized with the sickness for a second time in March 2022.
“His impression in our sport, nation and hearts might be eternally remembered,” mentioned a Serie An announcement.
Mihajlovic gained Serie A as a participant with Lazio and Inter Milan and likewise performed for Roma and Sampdoria.
He gained 63 worldwide caps between 1991 and 2003, representing the previous Yugoslavia on the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
He managed Serbia’s nationwide crew and was Bologna boss up till September when he was sacked following a poor begin to the season.
“It was probably the most tough determination I’ve made since I’ve been president of Bologna,” mentioned Bologna president Joey Saputo on the time.
“In current years we have now lived collectively with Sinisa stunning and painful moments which have cemented a relationship that isn’t solely skilled, however above all human.
“Mihajlovic has confronted the illness with braveness and dedication because the day he needed to make his state of well being public in a shifting press convention.
“Since then, regardless of the hospital stays and the heavy results of the therapies he has been subjected to, he has at all times remained near the crew, making each effort to keep in touch with the gamers, in particular person or in connection, thanks additionally to the professionalism of his workers.”
In an announcement posted on their web site, the Serbian FA wrote: “Football has misplaced too quickly a champion of Europe and the world, the most effective performers of free-kicks within the historical past of soccer, participant, coach and selector, a person who left a deep mark within the historical past of Serbian and Italian soccer with his profession.”
Javier Zanetti, who performed with Mihajlovic at Inter Milan, mentioned: “He was a very good buddy and now he’s gone. He has finished a lot for soccer – massive hug to his household.”
A minute’s silence was held for Mihajlovic earlier than AC Milan’s sport with Liverpool within the Dubai Super Cup on Friday.