Legendary manager Radomir Antic – the only man to have managed Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid – has died aged 71.
Atletico led the tributes to Antic after he guided them to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double in 1996.
Real skipper Sergio Ramos also praised Antic, saying the former Luton Town defender had a lasting impact on the rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.
Former Liverpool and Atletico striker Fernando Torres described him as “a rojiblanca legend”, while Luton hailed Antic as “a true Hatters hero” after he saved the club from relegation.
Atletico paid tribute to the “legendary” Antic on Twitter on Monday evening.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“The Atletico de Madrid family is mourning the passing of Radomir Antic, one of our legendary coaches,” the club tweeted.
“You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil said: “With the loss of Radomir, we lost a bit of the club’s heart.
“With him I personally learned to win, with him I learned to live with passion – the things that they make you better as a man and as a professional.
“I give a very strong embrace to his wife Vera, Dusan and Ana and tell them that they should be proud of the husband and father they had because, in addition to being a great professional and a wonderful person, he is in the history of Atletico Madrid on its own merits.”
Atletico hero and former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres said: “Antic has left us, a man who brought dignity to the profession of a footballer, the history of Atletico.
“As a champion and rojiblanca legend, Radomir will always be in the heart of all athletes.
“My condolences and all my encouragement to your family and friends.”
Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos tweeted: “You made Atleti bigger, you made our rivalry bigger.
“Goodbye to a unique career: Atletico, Barca and Real Madrid among others.”
And Barcelona posted this tribute: “Radomir Antic, who managed FC Barcelona in 2003, passed away today.
“The Barça family mourns the loss of a man who was deeply beloved in the world of football. Rest in Peace.”
Antic played for Luton from 1980 to 1984, and scored a famous goal at Maine Road that relegated Manchester City and kept The Hatters up.
Luton posted their tribute on Twitter, saying: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Town legend Radomir Antic, at the age of 71.
“A true Hatters hero, for promotion and preventing relegation.
“The thoughts of all at Kenilworth Road are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time.
“Rest in peace, Raddy.”
