Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was visibly emotional at his first press conference since July, declaring “I’m tired of crying.”
The 50-year-old was dressed in red and blue when he entered the press room but, as he began thanking journalists for their attendance, was interrupted by his own squad.
“They always surprise me,” he said. “They’ll do anything to not train…”
Bologna captain Blerim Dzemaili stood up and reserved a few words for the returning coach, on behalf of the team.
Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was visibly emotional at his first press conference since July, declaring “I’m tired of crying.”
The 50-year-old was dressed in red and blue when he entered the press room but, as he began thanking journalists for their attendance, was interrupted by his own squad.
“They always surprise me,” he said. “They’ll do anything to not train…”
Bologna captain Blerim Dzemaili stood up and reserved a few words for the returning coach, on behalf of the team.
“To say that we’ve missed you is an understatement, we are just really happy that you have returned and are among us again.
“We wanted to give you this surprise and, if you aren’t happy with us today, we will try to make you happy again.”
Mihajlovic soon got back to expressing his gratitude to everyone for helping him through four tough months at Sant’Orsola hospital, in particular the doctors and nurses who helped treat his leukaemia.
“I would like to thank everyone, I thank you all for respecting my condition and it was better for me to not be around a lot of people.
“It’s been a test of mettle over these last four months. Last time I spoke was July 13, when I announced my disease.
“Now I want to talk about my health. First, I want to thank all the doctors who supported me. Only those who are suffering from this disease know how difficult it is to deal with.
“Without their help, I would have never taken this path, which I think is going very well. I thank everyone, from the doctors who assisted me to the nurses.
“I found guardian angels, who also helped me mentally. They were crucial people; without them I wouldn’t have done what I’m doing. I will thank them for the rest of my life.
“I regret not being able to mention them all. I’m tired of crying.”
The Serb’s side are 15th in Serie A, with only 13 points from 13 games so far, and travel to Napoli this weekend.