Former Serie A Star Sinisa Mihajlovic Dies Aged 53 After Long Battle With Leukemia

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Former Serbian footballer, Sinisa Mihajlovic, who spent the majority of his career in Italy, has died at the age of 53 following a long battle with leukemia.

“Serie A is deeply saddened by the passing of Sinisa Mihajlovic, an icon of football and life,” the Italian top-flight said in a statement.

“His pure class as a footballer and coach, his strength and his humanity are an example that leaves an indelible mark on Italian and world football.”

A communication from Mihajlovic’s family read: “His wife Arianna, with their children Viktorija, Virginia, Miroslav, Dusan and Nikolas, their granddaughter Violante, their mother Vikyorija and their brother Drazen, in pain, communicate the unjust and premature death of their husband, father, son and exemplary brother, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

“A unique man, an extraordinary professional, available and good to everyone. He courageously fought against a horrible disease.

“We thank the doctors and nurses who have followed him over the years, with love and respect, especially Dr. Francesca Bonifazi, Dr. Antonio Curti, Prof. Alessandro Rambaldi, and Dr. Luca Marchetti.

“Sinisa will always remain 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.

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