Ciao Sinisa, our memories

FC Internazionale Milano, President Steven Zhang, Vice President Javier Zanetti, Chief Executive Officers Alessandro Antonello and Giuseppe Marotta, Head Coach Simone Inzaghi and his staff, players, and the whole Inter family are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Siniša Mihajlović and would like to send their sincerest condolences to his family.

There is never a right time to say goodbye to a member of the family. It seems like time has flown by way too quickly, and what remains is just a memory. Saying goodbye to Siniša Mihajlović is difficult for many reasons. It’s painful; it’s not right, and deeply sad.

He was first an opponent on the pitch, then became a Nerazzurri player and Assistant Coach, before becoming once again a rival in the dugout. He was always true to himself: in his determination, his attitude, his pride and his professionalism.

He was the number 10 of defenders. His performances were physical, tactically astute and with a magical left foot: rarely has such a powerful and accurate left foot been seen. He was the king of set-pieces, scorer of some stunning goals, also in an Inter shirt.

When he came to Inter at the age 35, he put his cards on the table right from the off in his first press conference: “I’m here to play and to win. There’s still lots in me and I want to give it to Inter.” He was a man of his word: two seasons, one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia titles. One of those had a trademark free-kick into the top corner in a final at San Siro. Spectacular. In total, he appeared 43 times for the Nerazzurri and scored six goals, all of them from free-kicks. Great memories, each and every one of them.

Then came his time in the Nerazzurri dugout, assistant to his great friend Roberto Mancini. His presence was vital: two years, two Serie A titles and an Italian Super Cup. They were extraordinary wins, unforgettable moments. He left important marks in our history, before moving into management.

He transmitted personality and self-assurance to his players, fought exceptionally both on and off the pitch, especially during his most difficult and important fight, his illness. But Sinisa faced it with a will to live, to fight, “I have fought face to face with Leukemia,” he said. He fought it bravely, even returning to manage, revealing a side that he had forever hidden: “I’ve learned to cry: seeing a strong, grown man cry is comforting.”

Sinisa was himself right to the end. His message reached and will remain in the hearts of every football fan. Sport and life.

Inter has immensely fond memories of him and our thoughts are with his family at this deeply saddening time.

Ciao Sinisa!