Romanian football has been shaken following reports that veteran coach Mircea Lucescu has suffered an acute heart attack just a day after stepping down from his role as national team manager.
The 80-year-old had earlier been admitted to a hospital in Bucharest after collapsing during a team meeting as preparations continued for an international friendly against Slovakia.
Doctors diagnosed Lucescu with severe cardiac arrhythmia, prompting the surgical implantation of a pacemaker earlier in the week.
Although he formally resigned from his position on Thursday, his condition worsened on Good Friday, when he suffered a heart attack while preparing to be discharged from hospital.
Medical staff at the university hospital in Bucharest confirmed that emergency procedures were immediately initiated to stabilise the former Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk manager.
In a statement reported by local media, doctors said the coach is currently in stable condition and under close observation.
“The patient suffered an acute heart attack and was taken to the emergency room, where he received immediate medical care. His condition is now stable and he is being carefully monitored,” the hospital said.
Lucescu’s second stint in charge of the Romanian national team officially ended on March 31, bringing to a close a tenure aimed at rebuilding the side following his return in 2024.
Widely regarded as one of Romania’s most influential football figures, Lucescu previously guided the national team to its first-ever appearance at the UEFA European Championship in 1984.
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