The football world is in mourning following the passing of legendary Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu. Among the many tributes pouring in, a particularly heartfelt message came from Inter Milan and Armenia star Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who shared an emotional farewell on Instagram.

Mkhitaryan posted a photo with the iconic manager, captioning it with a message of profound gratitude. "Mister, you were one of my very first coaches – the one who gave me the opportunity to grow and begin my international career," he wrote. "I will forever be thankful to you... Thank you for your guidance, your trust, and for helping shape the player and the person I am today."

Lucescu, who passed away at 79, leaves behind one of the most decorated legacies in football management, with an astounding 35 major trophies to his name. His career took him to the helm of European giants like Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Zenit St. Petersburg, but it was his transformative 12-year spell at Shakhtar Donetsk that cemented his status as a true visionary.

It was at Shakhtar where Lucescu's path famously crossed with a young Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Signing the Armenian midfielder in 2010, Lucescu was instrumental in developing Mkhitaryan's talent, ultimately launching him toward a star-making move to Borussia Dortmund in 2013—a pivotal moment that set the stage for Mkhitaryan's successful career across Europe's top leagues.

Lucescu's recent tenure as head coach of the Romanian national team ended just days before his passing, a testament to a lifelong dedication that never wavered. As the sport says goodbye to a true gentleman and tactical master, the impact he had on players like Mkhitaryan ensures his influence will be felt for generations to come.