Romanian soccer legend Mircea Lucescu has died on the age of 80, simply 5 days after stepping down as head coach of Romania nationwide soccer workforce.
Lucescu resigned final Thursday after falling ailing earlier than a coaching session. He was later taken to hospital, the place reviews stated he suffered a coronary heart assault on Friday morning.
In a press release, the Romanian Soccer Federation expressed deep unhappiness over his passing.
“Our soccer has misplaced an important coach, a mentor and a nationwide icon,” the federation stated. “He’ll all the time be remembered for his enormous contribution to the sport.”
Lucescu first managed Romania between 1981 and 1986 earlier than returning for a second spell in 2024. His ultimate match in cost was a 1-0 play-off loss to Turkey nationwide soccer workforce on 26 March, a consequence that ended Romania’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
He loved a protracted teaching profession that lasted almost 5 many years. Throughout that point, he managed a number of high golf equipment together with Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg and Dynamo Kyiv.
Galatasaray paid tribute to their former supervisor, saying they might always remember him and describing him as a historic determine on the membership. Inter Milan additionally despatched their condolences, saying the entire membership was saddened by the information.
Earlier than turning into a coach, Lucescu had a powerful enjoying profession. He made 64 appearances for Romania and captained the workforce on the 1970 World Cup.
Romanian Soccer Federation president Razvan Burleanu described it as a tragic day for each Romania and world soccer.
“He was greater than a coach. He guided many gamers and helped form their lives,” Burleanu stated. “His impression on soccer won’t ever be forgotten.”
