Serbian coach Radomir Antic, the only man to have coached Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, passed away on Monday at 71 following a long illness.
After a 17-year career as a footballer, Antic coached some of Europe’s top football clubs in his lifetime, and had the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with Atletico to his credit in 1996.
Antic coached Real Madrid from 1991-92, Atletico Madrid from 1995-98 and again in 2000, and FC Barcelona in 2003. He also coached the Serbian national team, helping them qualify in the 2010 World Cup, and then worked in China coaching the Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune Hebei Fortune.
All three clubs issued statements following his death, which came after he suffered from pancreatitis for years.
“The Atlético de Madrid family is mourning the passing of Radomir Antić, one of our legendary coaches. You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace,” tweeted Atletico Madrid.
The Atlético de Madrid family is mourning the passing of Radomir Antić, one of our legendary coaches. You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/C5UulDOZSo
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 6, 2020
“Real Madrid C.F, its president and board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Radomir Antić, who served as Real Madrid coach between March 1991 and January 1992. #RealMadrid,” tweeted Real Madrid.
Real Madrid C.F, its president and board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Radomir Antić, who served as Real Madrid coach between March 1991 and January 1992.#RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/4UxxjBBRx3
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 7, 2020
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos tweeted saying, "You made Atleti bigger, you made our rivalry bigger. Goodbye to a unique career: Atletico, Barca and Real Madrid among others. RIP."
“Today, Barcelona fans deeply lament the deaths of Pep Guardiola's mother, Dolors Sala, and Radomir Antic, ex-coach of the club. All my condolences to their families. Losing a loved one is always very painful, but in the current circumstances, it is much harder still,” tweeted Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Today, Barcelona fans deeply lament the deaths of Pep Guardiola's mother, Dolors Sala, and Radomir Antic, ex-coach of the club. All my condolences to their families. Losing a loved one is always very painful, but in the current circumstances, it is much harder still
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) April 6, 2020
As a player, Antic was famed for his late goal for Luton Town against Manchester City that rescued the team from relegation. He played for Partizan Belgrade in Serbia (then in Yugoslavia), Fenerbahce in Turkey, Real Zaragoza in Spain and finally ended his playing career in England with Luton Town.
