The football world says goodbye to the legendary Miroslav Ćir Blažević, who died this morning at the age of 88.
Blažević died after a long battle with cancer.
"We had a special relationship. A big shock, as much as we knew he had cancer. He marked our careers, relationships, we have a lot of memories. It's very difficult for us. I think he was a true fighter. Nothing will be the same without him. Always will be here with us. I think he lived a beautiful life, and may his country rest in peace," said Robert Prosinečki in an interview with N1.
Prosinečki was a member of the Croatian national team at the time when Blažević was a coach.
"I think he will have something to tell people up there. My whole career has always been somehow connected with him. We had a great relationship. Maybe I was a bit angry as a kid. We will remember him for the nicest things. He will be missed by all of us, Croatian football, the public. Ćiro was different from all the others," said Prosinečki.
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Branko Ivanković, who was his assistant in the Croatian national team, also said goodbye to Blažević.
"He introduced me to the national team as an assistant, it was part of those beautiful events and experiences, the beginning of the "fiery ones", the first fantastic results, an immense number of experiences, the culmination of which was the welcome after the third place and the great joy that he enabled us all to experience". Ivanković recalled.
Current Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić said that Blažević is his football father.
"As a coach, he signed two extraordinary and historic successes - one with the national team that he brought to the top of the world, and one with Dinamo when that title meant much more than football. Wherever he worked, he left a big mark. I can freely say that Ćiro was my football father, he was a true inspiration for everything I achieved in my coaching career. I am eternally grateful to him for that, and my prayers are dedicated to him and his family. To the coach of all coaches, rest in God's peace," concluded Dalić .
Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Association (HNL), sent his condolences to the Blažević family.
"In addition to being a coaching vanguard, he was a very charming, intelligent, witty and passionate person, and as such we will all miss him immensely. Ćiro was unique and unrepeatable, we will remember him as such, and the Croatian Football Association will always take care to protect him with care the memory of one of the most significant individuals in the history of Croatian football," said Kustić.
Dinamo Zagreb also said goodbye to Blažević.
"One day before his 88th birthday, the coach of all coaches, the great and legendary Miroslav Ćiro Blažević, left us forever. Mr. Ćiro, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you gave and gave for Dinamo and for Croatian football throughout your life. Your football manuscript , character and work we will never forget. GNK Dinamo hereby expresses its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the legend of Croatian football. May he rest in peace...", was the farewell message from Dinamo.
Edin Dzeko also sent a message.
"My coach, rest in peace. I will love you forever. My sincere condolences to the family," Dzeko wrote.
Dario Šimić, who won bronze at the World Cup in France in 1998, said goodbye to his former coach.
"Ćiro was a pure avant-garde, a motivator who will probably never be born again. He knew how to fool the opponents with his spectacular pranks. He always managed to get the most out of us, he was incredibly good at motivating the players and I will miss him terribly. His spirit and charisma they are an irreparable loss for all of us".
Zdravko Mamić, who was not on the best of terms with Blažević, also came forward.
"He was truly unique, there is no one like him. I have never seen or heard of anyone like him. The chemistry between him and people, people of different nationalities, different races, was incredible. He was special there. He was a man warmth, charm, unprecedented intelligence and he was a special coach," said Zdravko Mamić for Dnevni avaz.
Partizan also said goodbye to Blažević.
"With deep respect for his work and achievements in his career, FK Partizan says goodbye to the legendary Miroslav Ćir Blažević. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends," is the message from Partizan Belgrade.
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