Sinisa Mihajlovic, a football coach has died at the age of 53.
In Italy, the former defender for Yugoslavia made the announcement in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. He also played for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio, and Inter. He likewise dealt with a large group of groups, including AC Milan.
On Friday, December 16, his family announced that he had passed away.
A statement from his family read: “Wife Ariadne, with children Viktorija, Virginia, Miroslav, Dusan and Nikolas, granddaughter Violante, mother Vikyorija and brother Drazen in grief communicate the unjust and untimely death of their exemplary husband, father, son and brother, Sinisa Mihajlovic.
“A unique professional and an extraordinary man, helpful and good to everyone. He fought bravely against a horrible disease.
“We thank the doctors and nurses who followed him over the years with love and respect… Sinisa will always remain with us. I live with all the love he gave us.”
After signing with Roma in 1992, Mihajlovic went on to manage Bologna twice, Catania, Fiorentina, the Serbian national team, Sampdoria, AC Milan, Torino, and Sporting CP before moving on to manage Sampdoria, Lazio, and Inter Milan, making well over 400 appearances in Serie A.
He was one of the fixtures of Italian football for three decades.
His most recent position was his second time running Bologna. He was fired on September 6 after being appointed in 2019.
In a press conference in July 2019, Mihajlovic stated that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia, but that he continued working at Bologna while receiving treatment.
He was regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the game’s history and was known as a tough defender.
With 28 goals from free kicks, he still holds the Serie A record.
