The man who turned back because he could not see Lucescu in the coffin criticizes the Government. Romania has NOT declared a day of national mourning for the legendary coach
Mircea Lucescu died at the age of 80, on April 7, and was buried on Friday, April 10, at the Bellu Cemetery in the capital.
Mircea Lucescu Photo/Adevărul Archives
Alexandru Boc, 79 years old, former footballer and colleague of Lucescu's generation, believes that a day of national mourning should have been declared in Mircea Lucescu's memory, considering the impact he had not only in Romanian football, but also in international football. Lucescu is considered one of the most successful coaches in history, being surpassed only by Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Unfortunately, we have to comment on an extremely sad event for everyone, attention, everyone, not only Romania! I have so many memories… How could it not deserve national mourning? No discussion. Have you watched all the stadiums in Europe, what happened there? It is recognized as a value throughout Europe!“said Alexandru Boc, according to digisport.ro.
“I tried to leave for Bucharest, but I returned to Deva. I couldn't accept it!”
Alexandru Boc said that the news of the coach's death affected him strongly and that he was unable to accept it at the moment. For this reason, he decided to turn back from the road, although he had set out for Bucharest with the intention of saying goodbye.
“On Wednesday I tried to leave for Bucharest, but I returned to Deva, because I couldn't accept it. This year we celebrated our day together. It helped me a lot in life. In two weeks I will be on my way to Bucharest and I will surely go and light a candle for him!”the former footballer also admitted.
Romania has NOT declared a day of national mourning for Mircea Lucescu
Romania did not declare a day of national mourning after the death of Mircea Lucescu, although the former coach was honored throughout Europe and considered a huge figure in football.
The Romanian Football Federation, important clubs from abroad and former great players sent messages of condolence. His coffin was laid to rest at the National Arena, where thousands of people came to say goodbye and numerous sports figures paid their respects. Moreover, the most titled coach in the history of Romanian football was led on the last road with military honors.
However, no day of national mourning was instituted in Mircea Lucescu's memory. According to Law no. 75/1994, such a decision can only be taken by Government decision, without fixed criteria, depending on the authorities' discretion. Basically, a government decision was enough for the measure to be adopted.
It was possible for Ion Iliescu and Pope Francis
In the past, there were such decisions for high-ranking personalities, such as Ion Iliescu, former president of Romania. Also, Pope Francis was honored with a day of national mourning in Romania, as a sign of respect for his global influence and special connection with the country, even though he was the leader of another religion.
