Former soccer player Sinisa Mihajlovic has died at the age of 53 due to leukemia

Former Serbian soccer player and coach Sinisa Mihajlovic dies at the age of 53 after suffering from leukemia.

The great defender, who made history with his goals from free kicks, died in Rome and was Bologna coach until last September.

He beat that leukemia primarily in 2019, but it recurred at the end of last season, causing him to have to undergo medical treatment again that took him off the bench, but back to directing a game from the turf. a little longer. One month after admission to the hospital, within the last 3 days only.

As a footballer, Mihajlović won the European Cup in 1991 with Red Star Belgrade before moving to several Italian clubs. He played for Roma for two seasons, until in 1994 he signed for Sampdoria. Four years later, in 1998, he signed for Lazio and wore the ‘Biancoceleste’ kit until 2004, when he went to Inter, the team he retired from in 2006.

Three goals from set pieces in the match

Coincidentally, just three days before his death, exactly 24 years of his achievement in Serie A was achieved in a Lazio shirt. On 13 December 1998, Sinisa Mihajlović became the first and only player in Serie A to score a hat-trick of free kicks. It was his specialty, but even so, three direct free-kick goals is a remarkable feat within reach of a select few with a signature kick.

Mihajlovic’s left foot was one of the few that was touched with a magic wand, one of those capable of making the goalkeepers of the time nervous as soon as the referee had whistled a free kick near the area.

As a coach, in addition to Bologna, he led Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Milan, Turin and the Serbian national team.

The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, highlighted the qualities of the Serbian player, who lives in Italy, and published this message on her Twitter account.

“You fought like a lion on the field and in life. You set an example and gave courage to many facing illness. They called you an iron sergeant, you showed you had a big heart. You are the winners and always will be. Farewell Sinisa Mihajlovic.”

In addition, Serie A regretted: “Liga Serie A is deeply saddened by the passing of Sinisa Mihajlović, icon of football and life. His immaculate class as player and coach, his strength and humanity are an example that leaves an indelible mark on Italian and world football.”