[Now Sports]Former Yugoslav international Mihelovi, who suffered from leukemia three years ago, died on Friday aged 53, Italian media reported.
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s family released a statement on Friday in which they confirmed the death of the former Yugoslav international: “Wife Arianna, her children Viktorija, Virginia, Miroslav, Dusan and Nikolas, nephew Violante, mother Vikyorija and brother Drazen, unjust mourning for the untimely loss of a husband, father, son and brother”.
“A unique and amazing human being who was dedicated, helpful and amazing to everyone. He bravely fought a terrible disease.” The statement described Mikhlovi as a person: “We are thankful for all these years of love. And what about the doctors and nurses who accompanied him…Mikhlovi will always be with us and will live with all the love he gave us.”
Mihlovi was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. After a round of treatment, he was cured, but in March this year his condition relapsed again and he had to undergo a new round of chemotherapy. However, he continued to coach Bologna during his treatment, but was sacked in September last year after a poor start to last season.
Mihlovi played as a left back in his player era, and sometimes played as a backbone. Besides playing for Serbia in his early career, he spent most of his career in Serie A. He played for Roma, Sendoria , Lasso and Inter. In 2006 he officially hung up his boots and worked as a coach. He coached Catania, Ferentina, Sendoria and AC Milan, and Bologna invited him twice. He taught, but never won a major title in his coaching career.
Known as “the free throw expert”, he represented Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and scored a 30-yard free throw against Iran in the first game of the group match, winning 1:0 for the national team and entering the top 16 In addition, he also participated in the 1992 and 2000 European Nations Cup.
