The fabulous story of the record held by Mircea Lucescu. How he became the oldest player in Ligue 1
Mircea Lucescu left behind a huge legacy in both Romanian and international football. The legendary coach, who left us on Tuesday evening, at almost 81 years old, had a fabulous career, but also many records that will hardly be matched.
Mircea Lucescu, final applause for an exceptional career. Photo EPA EFE
If we go back in time, we see how quickly things change in life. Less than two weeks ago, I hadn't even played Turkey and I was eagerly awaiting the World Cup play-off. And no earlier than Friday, Mircea Lucescu was to be discharged and go home. But let's leave the philosophy and return to the records of the great coach. On March 26, he became the oldest selector of all time: he was 80 years, 7 months and 26 days old when his contract with FRF expired.
Il Luce holds another record, this time at the level of the first division of Romanian football. At 44 years, 9 months and 17 days, he entered the field as a player in Dinamo's shirt, in a match with Sportul Studențesc (1-1). The event took place on May 16, 1990, when Lucescu was the head coach of the red and white team.
He dribbled the FRF suspension
The story behind that record is special. Mircea Lucescu became the oldest footballer to ever play in Romania's first division following a decision by the Federation to suspend him, but also due to the fact that Dinamo, in the fight for the title, was left without a lot of players who went to the national team for the 1990 Coppa del Mondo.
In order not to sit in the stands and stay with the players during the match, Mircea Lucescu passed all the medical tests at the sports medicine center, obtained a new player's license and entered the game sheet for the match with Sportul Studențesc. He replaced Ionuț Fulga in the 76th minute, to the cheers of the spectators, he played accurately and gave instructions to his students (and colleagues).
It was a way for Lucescu to dodge the suspension, which allowed him to stay with the team on the bench in the following stages. The strategy was successful, with Dinamo winning the title that season, with Nea Mircea achieving a rare feat: taking the championship both as a coach and as an active player.
