Sinisa Mihajlovic, a former manager of AC Milan and Bologna, passed away at the age of 53 after a protracted battle with cancer.
The former Yugoslavia defender initially revealed he has leukemia in 2019. He had previously won the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade as a player in 1991.
Despite receiving a successful course of treatment, he was given a second disease diagnosis in March 2022.
“His impact in our game, country and hearts will be forever remembered,” said a Serie A statement.
Mihajlovic won Serie A as a player with Lazio and Inter Milan and also played for Roma and Sampdoria.
He won 63 international caps between 1991 and 2003, representing the former Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Heaven has gained another legend. You will be sorely missed, Siniša.
— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 16, 2022
He managed Serbia’s national team and was Bologna boss up until September when he was sacked following a poor start to the season.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made since I have been president of Bologna,” said Bologna president Joey Saputo at the time.
“In recent years we have lived together with Sinisa beautiful and painful moments that have cemented a relationship that is not only professional, but above all human.
“Mihajlovic has faced the disease with courage and determination since the day he wanted to make his state of health public in a moving press conference.
“Since then, despite the hospital stays and the heavy effects of the treatments he has been subjected to, he has always remained close to the team, making every effort to be in contact with the players, in person or in connection, thanks also to the professionalism of his staff.”
In a statement posted on their website, the Serbian FA wrote: “Football has lost too soon a champion of Europe and the world, one of the best performers of free-kicks in the history of football, player, coach and selector, a man who left a deep mark in the history of Serbian and Italian football with his career.”
Javier Zanetti, who played with Mihajlovic at Inter Milan, said: “He was a good friend and now he is gone. He has done so much for football – big hug to his family.”
A minute’s silence was held for Mihajlovic before AC Milan’s game with Liverpool in the Dubai Super Cup on Friday.