Former Serie A defender and coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has died aged 53, his family confirms.
“The wife Arianna, his children Viktorija, Virginia, Miroslav, Dusan and Nikolas, the nephew Violante, the mother Vikyorija and brother Drazen in pain communicate the unjust and premature death of their husband, father, son and exemplary brother, Sinisa Mihajlovic.
“Unique man, extraordinary professional, helpful and good with everyone. He bravely struggled against a horrible disease.
“We thank the doctors and nurses who have followed him in these years, with love and respect, in particular Francesca Bonifazi, Antonio Curti, Prof. Alessandro Rambaldi, and Dott. Luca Marchetti. Sinisa will always be with us. I live with all the love he has given us.”
Mihajlovic died in a hospital in Rome. He had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019. He had recovered after a cycle of treatment, but this past March he announced that the illness was back so he had to undergo a new cycle of chemotherapy.
He had remained in charge of Bologna during treatment but was sacked this past September after a poor start to the season.
Mihajlovic played 315 games in Serie A scoring 38 goals.
He coached Catania, Fiorentina, Serbia, Sampdoria, Milan, Torino, Sporting CP and Bologna.
rest in peace champion and Hero ❤️, we will never forget your legacy
Sad sad sad news … RIP
Damn! Too young! RIP
What a free kick he had. RIP.
Terrible news, so sad. What a player, huge character in calcio.
Addio sinisa
RIP, Sinisha.
Sad news. Rival on the pitch but gave everything on and off it his all. Rest well, legend.
I can’t believe this. So unexpected. I thought he was doing better…
He was a great man. Serious but always fair. Rest in peace Sinisa.
The best free kick taker in the game or certainly during his playing days. Bologna should have treated him with far more respect as well.
Forza Miha, good man manager and always made every trip to Bologna a nightmare. Very much like Zeman in that he would rather take risks and play aggressive football than sit back and scrape a 0-0 draw.
So so sad…RIP…
This is terrible, so very sad. Lazio legend, Serie A legend, legend in every way. RIP dear Miha ⚪️🔵🦅
Devastating news. Great man on and off the pitch. RIP Sinisa.
Rest in peace, Sinisa the great warrior
One of the best free kicker of all times.
RIP maestro! See you sooner or later!