Calhanoglu's Farewell Embrace with Lucescu: "You Did So Much for Me"
The football world is in mourning following the passing of legendary coach Mircea Lucescu on Tuesday at the age of 80. In the wake of this sad news, a deeply moving moment has gone viral: Hakan Calhanoglu's heartfelt hug with his former mentor after Turkey's match against Romania in March. "You did so much for me," wrote the Inter star in a poignant tribute.
Lucescu, a highly respected figure who previously managed clubs like Inter and Brescia, had overseen his final match just days before his death. In that game, his Romania squad faced a 1-0 defeat against Turkey in a World Cup playoff semifinal. After the final whistle, Calhanoglu approached and warmly embraced his former national team coach.
Indeed, Lucescu had coached the Turkish national team between 2017 and 2018. During that period, Calhanoglu played under his guidance in 12 appearances, contributing one goal and one assist. These touching farewell embraces quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with Calhanoglu himself sharing the moment on his Instagram stories.
"We have lost not only a great coach, but also a person of immense character," Calhanoglu expressed. "You did so much for me, and I will always remember you with respect and gratitude. Rest in peace, coach."
Beyond Calhanoglu, the football club Inter and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo were among many others who also paid their respects to Lucescu on social media following his death, highlighting the widespread impact of his career.
Fresh materials — Sport news
Serie A: Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, Pisa vs. Genoa - Live Updates
This is a live blog covering several Serie A matches. We will provide real-time updates, key events, and results as they unfold. Stay tuned for the latest from Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, and Pisa vs. Genoa. Juventus vs. Bologna Get ready for the clash between Juventus and
Inter's Path to Serie A Title Glory Next Weekend
Inter Milan stands on the brink of securing the 2025-26 Serie A title, with a potential championship-clinching victory next weekend contingent on a win against Torino and specific outcomes in matches involving Napoli and Milan. Following their decisive 3-0 victory over Cagliari, Inter has
Besiktas Pursues Juventus Winger Edon Zhegrova After Challenging First Season
Edon Zhegrova's tenure at Juventus appears likely to conclude after a single season, with Turkish club Besiktas having initiated contact with the Kosovo winger's agent regarding a potential summer move. According to reports from Turkish newspaper Fanatik, relayed by IlBianconero, the Koso
Milan Expresses Interest in Napoli's Spinazzola for Free Transfer
The future of Leonardo Spinazzola at Napoli appears increasingly uncertain. The experienced left-back has yet to receive any indication from the club regarding an extension to his contract, which is set to expire in June. Consequently, his representatives have begun exploring alternative option
Abodi Hits Back at Outgoing FIGC President Gravina: ‘Always Because of Politics’
Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi has countered the assertions of the departing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, who implied that the football association lacked sufficient governmental backing. Abodi stated that "when things go wrong, it's always because of politics." Gravina announced his d
Lotito Advocates for Special Commissioner to Restructure Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
Lazio owner Claudio Lotito has voiced his disagreement with the majority of Serie A clubs who support Giovanni Malagò as the next President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Lotito contends that a fundamental restructuring of the entire system is necessary, rather than simply appointi