Gică Hagi (60 years old) made a statement full of gratitude towards Mircea Lucescu.
Present at the wake of „Il Luce,” who passed away on Tuesday, April 7, Hagi spoke kind words about the legendary Romanian coach.
"The King" thanked Lucescu for the opportunity he gave him at a young age and described him as the greatest Romanian coach of all time.
"He was a man who taught us to be open, to become better, to be strong, to be courageous, and to do things with passion, just as he loved his profession and everything he did for football. He is an example to me. From a young age, he had faith in me, and I am grateful to him.
He taught us to love what we do, because that's the only way to reach the top. And courage. He always had that courage, the courage to do things.
He was a winner both as a player and as a coach. The greatest of all time! To become third in the world (referring to the number of trophies) is something extraordinary, something that is hard to even imagine.
It was fundamental (referring to his first call-up to the national team). Everything I have done in life was thanks to the teachers I had. Uncle Mircea had the courage to bring me directly to the first team and influenced my entire career. Uncle Mircea fought until the last moment and did so courageously. He was a teacher," stated Gică Hagi, quoted by Digi Sport.
Mircea Lucescu will be buried on Friday, April 10.
He would have turned 81 on July 29.