Romanian football manager and coach Mircea Lucescu passes away at 80

Mircea Lucescu, Romanian Football Legend, Passes Away at 80

Mircea Lucescu, a renowned Romanian football coach and player, has died at the age of 80. He was admitted to Bucharest University Emergency Hospital on Friday morning after suffering a heart attack.

According to hospital officials, Lucescu was one of the most successful Romanian football coaches and players, having qualified the national team for the European Championship in 1984. He is remembered as a national symbol by many Romanians who grew up with his image in their hearts.

Born on July 29, 1945, in Bucharest, Lucescu had a lengthy coaching career spanning almost half a century. He coached several clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won numerous titles and became the most successful manager in the club’s history. Lucescu also coached Turkiye and Romania, as well as Italian clubs Pisa, Brescia, Reggiana, and Inter Milan.

Lucescu’s coaching career was marked by his ability to assemble talented teams and achieve success in various competitions. He won several European titles, including the UEFA Cup in 2009, and was remembered fondly by fans of his former club, Shakhtar Donetsk.

The news of Lucescu’s passing has been met with tributes from around the world. Romanian President Nicusor Dan paid tribute to Lucescu as “one of the most respected figures in the history of Romanian and European football”. UEFA also led tributes, calling Lucescu “one of the game’s true originals”.

Lucescu’s former clubs have posted tributes to their former manager, with Shakhtar Donetsk listing his achievements, including 22 trophies won during his tenure. Galatasaray also paid tribute to Lucescu, saying they would “never forget” him.

A statement from the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital confirmed Lucescu’s death and expressed condolences to his family.

Source: Al Jazeera