Ex-Lazio Star Sinisa Mihajlovic Passes Away Aged 53

11 Nov 2000: Zinedine Zidane of Juventus and Sinisa Mihajlovic of Lazio challenge for the ball during the Serie A 6th Round League match between Juventus and Lazio played at the Delle Alpi stadium, Turin. Mandatory Credit: Grazia Neri/ALLSPORT

Former Lazio star Sinisa Mihajlovic has sadly passed away aged 53 following a long-term battle with leukaemia.

The former defender was diagnosed with an acute form of the illness in July 2019 and underwent numerous rounds of treatment over the following years, including three cycles of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Bologna retained Mihajlovic following his diagnosis and he remained head coach until his dismissal in September 2022. During his time in charge, he was occasionally forced to remain in hospital during matchdays, leading to touching scenes of the squad visiting him after victories.

Mihajlovic passed away in a clinic in Rome on 16th December following complications from leukaemia.

During his playing career, the former defender spent six years with Lazio, making 193 appearances across all competitions. He scored 33 goals and provided 32 assists in that time, proving his abilities as one of the best free-kick takers in history.

Mihajlovic was part of the Lazio squad that won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in the 1999-2000 season, as well as the 2003-04 Coppa Italia and two European titles.

The Laziali staff send their condolences to Mihajlovic’s family and friends.

Tags Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Mihajlovic Rome Serie A Sinisa Mihajlovic