Gennaro Gattuso perhaps had more in common with Sinisa Mihajlovic than anyone else in Serie A and his tribute reflects that. ‘He wouldn’t want us to cry for his death.’
They faced off in the Derby della Madonnina at Inter and Milan, then both of them sat on the Rossoneri bench at different times.
Above all, they had similar approaches to football, life and management, embracing the role of warrior around a tender heart, always speaking their minds and rejecting any sense of pity.
This is why Gattuso’s open letter written for La Gazzetta dello Sport following Mihajlovic’s death at the age of 53 from leukaemia reflects all of that.
“I can with pride say that I was friends with Sinisa Mihajlovic. There was reciprocal respect that united us, even if we were never teammates.
“I think today we should not cry for his death, because he wouldn’t want that: instead we should show the kind of respect that is due to a man like him.
“Respect is shown remembering what he always taught us: I remember so many photographs of Sinisa with his large family, the images of his players crowded around him during the most difficult moments, and this for me represents ‘being a man’, being able to transmit your values and ensure those around you can learn to share them too, because you were an example for everybody.
“Thank you for everything Sinisa.”
Brilliant words. Well said, Gennaro. May Sinisa’s memory be eternal.