Mircea Lucescu, one of the greatest figures in Romanian football, known for winning many trophies as a player and coach, has died at the age of 80.
Lucescu's death was confirmed on Tuesday by the main hospital in Bucharest. He had been admitted to the hospital after reportedly suffering a heart attack on Friday morning.
“Mircea Lucescu was one of the most successful coaches and players of Romanian football, the first to qualify the Romanian national team for a European Championship, in 1984,” the hospital statement said.
"Entire generations of Romanians grew up with his image in their hearts, as a national symbol."
Lucescu had a long coaching career and was in his second contract with the Romanian national team until he resigned last Thursday after falling ill during training. Three days earlier, Romania had missed out on qualifying for the World Cup after being defeated by Turkey in a play-off.
As a player, Lucescu captained his country's national team in the 1970 World Cup. During his coaching career, which took him to many European countries, he led Romania to the European Championship and managed several clubs to numerous titles.
He returned to manage Romania after a 38-year hiatus, with the aim of qualifying the team for the World Cup, writes AP.
