Crvena zvezda’s European Cup hero Mihajlović passes away
Saturday, December 17, 2022
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Siniša Mihajlović, one of Serbia’s iconic footballing sons who led FK Crvena zvezda to European club glory in the early 1990s, has died at the age of 53.
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Mihajlović, who lost a long battle with leukaemia, was a key figure in the Belgrade club’s march to the European Champion Clubs’ Cup title in the 1990/91 season. A free-kick specialist feared by opponents for his formidable signature left-foot shot, and a combative and determined battler equally adept at playing in defence or midfield, he was instrumental in helping a talented side bring Europe’s premier club trophy to the former Yugoslavia.
In a high-calibre performance over two legs in the semi-final against Bayern Munich, Mihajlović was an inspiration to his team-mates in a precious 2-1 success in Germany. In a dramatic return encounter in Belgrade, he would score a crucial goal as Crvena zvezda fought their way to a last-gasp 2-2 draw that took them through to the final against French outfit Olympique Marseille.
The final in Bari was a close-fought affair, with both sides cancelling each other out in a goalless draw over 120 minutes. Amid incredible tension, up stepped Mihajlović to score from the spot, Crvena zvezda sending their fans wild by winning the penalty shoot-out 5-3 to capture the title.
Crvena zvezda legend Dragan Džajić paid a handsome tribute to Mihajlović. “He was a leader, someone who had the authority of knowledge on the field, and the respect of everyone off it,” he said.
Italian adventure as player and coach
Mihajlović went on to continue his playing career in Italy with AS Roma, Sampdoria, SS Lazio and Inter Milan. He won the 1999/2000 Scudetto, the Coppa Italia (twice), the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his spell at Lazio, adding another Italian title and two more Coppa Italia successes with Inter.
Capped 63 times by the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 2003, Mihajlović retired in 2006 and immediately started a coaching career as Inter assistant before taking charge of several Serie A clubs – Bologna, Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Milan and Torino. In 2019, he returned to Bologna where he coached until this September, often having to interrupt his job to undergo treatment for his illness. Mihajlović also had a spell as Serbia’s national-team coach from 2012-13.
Eternal fighter
Born in 1969 into a working-class family in Borovo, Vukovar (former Yugoslavia), and a lover of football from a very early age, Siniša Mihajlović became known on and off the field as an eternal fighter – none more so than when leukaemia returned following initial successful treatment in 2019. “This disease is very courageous in returning to face an opponent like me,” he said defiantly.
Mihajlović never missed an opportunity to share positivity and mental strength. "Give yourself achievable goals day by day, try to overcome them, to make the most of the time you have,” was his advice.
“An example for all of us”
Tributes were also plentiful in Italy. “You were a warrior,” said former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta of his one-time Lazio colleague. “An example for all of us and most of all for me… I will never forget you.”
“His courage on the pitch,” the Lazio club said in a statement, “was second only to that shown in the face of a serious illness, which never weakened his spirit. An indelible trace in the history of Lazio will remain of this fighter with a big heart.”