Former Milan head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has passed away aged 53 after a battle with leukemia, multiple sources have confirmed.
Mihajlovic was a storied player before he became a manager, earning 63 caps and scoring 10 goals for Yugoslavia from 1991 to 2003, and playing for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter in his club career.
Known as one of the best free-kick takers of all time, he scored 28 goals from a free-kick in Serie A which is the most of any player.
After retiring as a player in 2006, his coaching career would see him land roles at Bologna, Catania, Sampdoria and the Serbia national football team before he ended up with AC Milan for the 2015-16 season.
In July 2019, Mihajlović publicly announced that he was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia but he remained the manager of Bologna. He underwent a bone marrow transplant after three cycles of chemotherapy, but passed away in a Rome clinic earlier today aged 53.
All of us SempreMilan would like to send out sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and those close to him. Rest in Peace, Miha.
Terrible news. Sinisa Mihajlović has passed away at 53 after long fight with illness.
“I respect the illness, I will face it, with chest puffed out, looking it in the eyes, the way I always have done”, he said years ago.
Fighter, great man. Shocking news.
RIP 🙏🏻🕊️ pic.twitter.com/V84McAeeMO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2022
RIP Miha… really sad news
Horrible news :'( Miha was great player, great coach and above all – great human being. He brought a lot of joy to all of us who love football. Rest in peace Sinisa. You will be greatly missed.
Wow. I thought he was getting better. Didn’t he still coach Bologna just a couple months ago?
What a player he was for Red Star and Lazio. One of the best set piece takers ever. An unbelievable hat trick of free kicks in one game.
Our best coach during the banter era. Whipped players into shape. He had the courage to give Gigio a chance at 16. Led Milan to the Copa final but crazy Silvio fired him for Brocchi.
Every player he has coached spoke highly of him as a man.
RIP Sinisa
😭😭😭 I love this man
Sad news.
RIP Miha 😢
My condolences for the family
Miha was a great player and most importantly a great human being, rest in peace Miha
Very sad. RIP Sinisa.
RIP Legend!🍀🙏
Rip 🙏
Thought he could have done more at Milan with more time. RIP ❤️🖤
RIP
Rest in Peace