Former Yugoslavia defensive midfielder and Hajduk Split legend, Ivan Gudelj, has died at the age of 66, the Croatian club announced on Wednesday.
Hajduk Split expressed sadness over the death of Gudelj, describing him as one of the most prominent players of his generation and a true club legend.
Gudelj joined Hajduk as a youngster and spent his entire playing career with the club, making 362 appearances and scoring 93 goals for its youth and senior teams between 1976 and 1986.
He also represented the former Yugoslavia 33 times, scoring three goals, and became the national team captain at the age of 22.
Gudelj was part of Yugoslavia’s squad at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he emerged as one of the team’s standout players. He also featured at the 1984 European Championship.
However, his promising career was brought to an abrupt end in 1986 after he was diagnosed with hepatitis B. He was preparing to move to French club Bordeaux at the time.
Following his playing career, Gudelj moved into coaching and briefly managed Hajduk Split. He also coached Croatia’s Under-17 and Under-19 national teams.
Hajduk said Gudelj’s contribution to the club and Yugoslav football had established him as one of the most respected figures in its history.
AFP
