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Lucescu guided Romania to their first European Championship finals in 1984 Legendary manager Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80, five days after stepping down as Romania's head coach. Lucescu resigned on Thursday after falling ill before a training session. He received treatment in hospital after reportedly, external suffering a heart attack on Friday morning. "The Romanian Football Federation expresses its boundless regret following the death of the one who was, is and will remain an absolute legend: Mircea Lucescu, " the country's federation said in a statement. "Our football loses not only a brilliant tactician, but a mentor, a visionary, and a national symbol who carried the tricolour to the highest peaks of global success. " He managed Romania between 1981 and 1986 before returning for a second spell in charge in 2024. His last game in charge was a 1-0 play-off defeat by Turkey on 26 March that meant Romania missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Lucescu also took charge of Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Besiktas, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Kyiv and Turkey in a long and varied managerial career that began 47 years ago at Corvinul Hunedoara. "We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Mircea Lucescu, the winning manager of our Uefa Super Cup and 15th Turkish league titles. Rest in peace Luce, we will never forget you, " Galatasaray posted on X. Inter Milan said: "The entire Inter family mourn the passing of Mircea Lucescu and extend heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. " As a player, Lucescu made 64 appearances for Romania and captained his country at the 1970 World Cup. "It is a black day for Romania and for world football. A man who lived through and for football in every second of his existence has left us, " said Romanian Football Federation president Razvan Burleanu. "Mircea Lucescu was not just a coach, but a life teacher for entire generations of players. He was a man who loved this sport more than anything in life, and his impact on our football is immeasurable. " Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Is 'free' Mc Ilroy ready to create more Masters history? Kane and Diaz give Bayern deserved edge against Real Havertz nets stoppage-time winner for Arsenal at Sporting Conor and Jock are reunited for more craic-filled comedy A woman's quest to uncover the mystery of her early life Dom Chinea revisits makers who turned their passions into profits The memorable day when the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened Why Liverpool ticket price protests matter to rival fans Szubarczyk, 15, breaks World Championship record Why Honda engine is not the only issue with Aston Martin - F1 Q&A Coventry edge ever closer - but who will join them in Premier League? 54 years, 48 leagues, 2, 000 grounds - the ultimate football odyssey Quiz: Name every European winner of the Masters Ranking football's greatest one-club men Leeds beat West Ham on penalties in thriller to reach FA Cup semis. Video Leeds beat West Ham on penalties in thriller to reach FA Cup semis Wilder beats Chisora in thrilling split decision bout. Video Wilder beats Chisora in thrilling split decision bout Is the Championship heading for financial 'catastrophe'? 'A messed-up situation' - world champion Dubois on family rift Liverpool's FA Cup capitulation ramps up pressure on Slot The thorny issues facing F1 over racing, qualifying and safety What De Zerbi needs to do to turn Tottenham around What were the biggest moves of NFL free agency? Mary Rand - the trailblazing Olympic champion Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.