In his last Instagram post published exactly a month ago, Sinisa Mihajlovic said that ‘life without problems doesn’t exist’ and that nobody should ever be ashamed of illness.
The 53-year-old had been diagnosed with leukaemia for the second time in less than three years this past March.
On December 1, he attended an event to present Zdenek Zeman’s biography in Rome. It was his last public appearance.
Exactly one month ago, on November 17, he was named honorary citizen of Bologna, the city where he had been living over the last few years, coaching the Rossoblu from 2019 until this past September.
“Fate wanted the disease to manifest itself here in Bologna, where there are the best medical research centres in the field of oncology,” wrote Mihajlovic.
“I was lucky, that’s true… but Bologna were also lucky to have me as a coach when we avoided relegation in 2019.
“Today’s recognition refers to disease management. Never be ashamed if in life you find yourself dealing with such moments. Life is not lived in the absence of problems but is lived despite problems.
“It is the second honorary citizenship I receive, in addition to that of Novi Sad. A new and very beautiful chapter of my life begins.
“This award I dedicate to my family, my wife, doctors and health personnel, friends, Bologna Fc 1909, my staff and my players. Last but not least, I dedicate it to the city of Bologna and to all people of Bologna.”
Mihajlovic played 315 games in Serie A scoring 38 goals. He played for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter and retired in 2006.
He coached Catania, Fiorentina, Serbia, Sampdoria, Milan, Torino, Sporting CP and Bologna.
Wonderful player and those free kicks will never be forgotten. LEGEND.
It’s really shameful that the management at Bologna decided to sack him…..IN SEPTEMBER. Not like Bologna were gonna challange for Europe and he wasa survivor and the team trusted him. Really think this decision was nonsense should have let Sinisa decide on his own pace and they should have at least kept.him till end of year.
You will be missed and remembered -E se tira Sinisa e Goooooal oooOooOoooOOO
RIP LEGEND !
Best freekick taker ever. Strong character, seamed like a good men.