Former Montenegrin national team player Andrija Delibasic will never be forgotten, it was announced at a commemorative session at the Montenegrin National Theatre.
Delibašić passed away on Wednesday, after a serious illness.
At the commemorative session, his son Andrej, the president of the Sutjeska Football Club Boris Rašković, the captain of Buducnost Petar Grbić, a member of the Partizan Belgrade working group and teammate Danko Lazović, and the president of the Football Association of Montenegro Dejan Savićević said goodbye to him.
The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, and the Minister of Sports and Youth, Dragoslav Šćekić, also paid their last respects with their presence.
- Dear dad, I stand here proudly as your son. You were the strength of our family, a role model for everyone, and especially for me. I grew up with your successes and goals, often remembering the moments when you told me about your matches. Your stories taught me what it means to be honorable, hardworking and persistent. I am most proud of your fight, which lasted until the last day. A new chapter begins in our lives, but your love remains with us forever. Thank you, dad, for everything you have done for me and our family. I will never forget your words: "Be a good man, and only then a good player," said Andrej Delibašić.
Delibasic was also bid farewell to his former teammates and friends Saša Ilić, Mitar Novaković, Branko Bošković, Milorad Peković, Miodrag Džudović, Srđan Radonjić, Vlado Jeknić, Luka Pejović, Sanibal Orahovac...
The commemoration was attended by former and current Montenegrin national team members, the management and football players of Buducnost and Sutjeska, as well as numerous athletes and sports workers.
- Today we say goodbye to a man who left an indelible mark, not only on the football fields, but also in the hearts of all of us. Andrija Delibašić was a great football player, however, what set him apart from the large number of football professionals who made their careers abroad, Andrija ultimately ended his career in our Sutjeska. This says a lot about him as a man and his love for the city of Nikšić where he grew up and the club where he originated. His journey from his native Nikšić to top European fields was a story of dedication and love for the game - said Sutjeska president Boris Rašković.
The president and leadership of the Federation were with the family the entire time as they paid tribute to their favorite striker.
- Today I am addressing you on behalf of the Partizan Football Club, but above all as Andrija's godfather, friend and former teammate. With deep sadness, but also immense pride. Today, as we gather to say our final goodbyes, we remember his smile, cheerful spirit and boyish sincerity that he shared with all of us. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Partizan Football Club, the millions of fans, I express my deep gratitude and respect for the man, my beloved godfather, who enriched our lives with his life and forever decorated them, leaving an indelible mark - said Danko Lazović.
The scorer of the unforgettable goal that helped England qualify for the European Championship play-offs, lost his battle after a two-year battle with the most serious illness.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2023, while he was the coach of the Mariners.
He underwent emergency surgery, and during the match against Serbia, Montenegro fans unfurled a banner reading "Andrija, win once more." Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad, Hercules and Mallorca, whose jerseys he wore, as well as La Liga, supported him in his fight for life.
- Don't blame me for the emotions because there are too many of them when we say goodbye to someone who is a part of us. But I can't say goodbye to someone who was a part of me, my being, my career... My role model. But I can be proud of all of that! Because saying goodbye is never easy, and when we say goodbye to someone we love forever, it's especially painful. I've never done this, I don't even know how to prepare for these things, especially when there's a picture of someone I love behind me - said Buducnost captain Petar Grbić.
- My dear brother, that's what I called you when I was overwhelmed with emotions from the time we hung out in the national team. We built a closeness over the years, our friendship grew stronger, and the path brought us together again in our Future. And that's why I didn't let anyone write my speech! If I had known how difficult it would be for me to write, how memories would come flooding back, and words would disappear, feeling powerless to say anything... Maybe I should have, but no... because then I would have felt your half-smile, your quiet voice, your gentlemanly step and the words "come on Grbo, be brave". Just as you were, for all of us, always there when needed - said Grbić.
After the surgery, Delibasic returned to football and became the sports director of Budućnost in the summer, and he chose Mladen Milinković, a Serbian expert who he had been an assistant to in his first term on the Podgorica bench, as his coach.
Unfortunately, the disease returned, but this time there was no help.
The famous goal against England will be remembered, the goal against Georgia for the first victory of the "brave falcons" in official matches, and three goals in the Champions League in the 2003/2004 season in the Partizan jersey, two of which against the later European champions - José Mourinho's Porto.
- His sudden death has left us in deep sorrow, but also with memories of his extraordinary career and human greatness. Andrija Delibasic was not only a top footballer who won many football hearts with his talent and effort, but also a noble man who enriched every locker room, every match, every city in which he played with his presence. His dedication and passion for football were an inspiration to many, and his courage and perseverance a symbol of the strength of a team. His name will forever remain written in golden letters in the annals of Montenegrin football. We are grateful to him for everything he did for our sport, for our community, and for all of us to whom he was a role model. His legacy will continue to inspire young generations of footballers, showing them what it means to dedicate not only to work, but also to the people around you. Whenever our national team, your "falcons", plays, the roar of your name and the chants of the fans will reach from the stands - Andrija, Andrija, Delibasic Andrija! Once again, on behalf of the Football Association of Montenegro and the entire Montenegrin football family, I express my condolences to the Delibašić family and my gratitude for everything that Andrija was and will forever remain for us - said the president of the FSCG, Dejan Savićević.
Delibasic will be buried today at 15 p.m. at the City Cemetery in Niksic.
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