Football Legend Mircea Lucescu Planned to Attend Son's Cup Final Before Passing

The football world mourns the loss of Mircea Lucescu, a legendary figure who passed away on April 7 at the age of 80. Known affectionately as 'Il Luce,' his absence leaves a void not only in Romanian football but also on the international stage where he left an indelible mark.

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He had bought the tickets.

In the days leading up to his passing, Lucescu was reportedly making plans for the future, including attending the Greek Cup final on April 25 to cheer on his son, Răzvan Lucescu. PAOK Salonic, coached by Răzvan, ultimately lost the match to OFI Crete in extra time, a result Mircea was unable to witness despite having secured tickets.

Family members, including his son Răzvan and wife Neli, have shared poignant memories, describing Lucescu as a man who refused to accept his illness. He reportedly downplayed his condition, reassuring his son that he was feeling well and would soon be able to go for walks and attend the final. This resilience, while characteristic of his strong personality, may have inadvertently led to a misjudgment of his health status.

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Thursday evening was the last time I spoke. Friday he had the heart attack, Thursday evening Matei, my son, put the phone with him on WhatsApp. He was very tired, we said hello. Thursday evening we talked a little longer. He told me he was going home the next day: 'I'll be fine, I'm going home. I'll start going for walks, I'll come to the final.'

Răzvan recounted his last conversations with his father, expressing regret that he couldn't be by his side in his final moments. He mentioned that his father's reassurances had led him to stay in Greece rather than travel to Romania for Christmas. Despite the pain of not being present, Răzvan understands his father's desire for him to focus on his own career. The news of Lucescu's passing has deeply saddened many, highlighting the profound impact he had on the sport and the lives of those around him.

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Knowing that he wasn't okay, talking to him, he calmed me down. He told me: 'I'm fine, don't listen to anyone, I feel good.' That's what fooled me. That's why I didn't come to Bucharest, I didn't see him anymore. Only on the phone. I'm sorry, I think we could have, at least in the last moment, been by his side. To have talked with him more, to have spoken. But, I can't say I blame myself. I know very well that he also considered it good for me to stay here, to mind my own business.