Champions League star dies aged 44 after being pulled from lake as tributes paid | Football | Sport
Gabriel Muresan (left) was a regular in the Champions League during his time at CFR Cluj (Image: Getty Images)
The football world is grieving the loss of former Romania international Gabriel Muresan, who tragically died after being pulled from a lake. Muresan, who throughout his career faced some of the greatest football clubs on the planet in the Champions League, was reportedly swimming in a lake in the Transylvanian town of Apold when the incident occurred.
The 44-year-old, who earned nine caps for his country, had become mayor of the town in 2020 and secured re-election just two years ago. Muresan was reportedly rescued from the water by firefighters and rushed to hospital. Sadly, despite the valiant efforts of medical staff, he could not be saved.
In an official statement following his death, Apold’s town hall said: “Today, we are all experiencing great pain.
“We express our deep sadness at the news of the passing away of Gabi Muresan, mayor and devoted servant of our community.
“In these moments of difficult trial, we send sincere condolences to the grieving family and to all those who knew and cherished him.
“Our community will keep his memory alive, and will be grateful for everything he did for the people and for the Apold commune.”
The Romanian football federation also released a statement, saying it was with “great sadness” that they were compelled to confirm his passing.
They wrote: “The Romanian Football Federation learned with great sadness of the death of Gabriel Muresan, at the age of 44, former Romanian international and double national champion with CFR Cluj.
“Born on February 13, 1982 in Sighisoara, Muresan has played nine matches for the national team.
Muresan faced some of Europe’s biggest clubs during his playing career (Image: Getty Images)
“At CFR Cluj, he played for six seasons, between 2007 and 2013, during which he collected 135 matches, winning the Romanian Cup three times (2008, 2009 and 2010) and the championship three times (2008, 2010 and 2012).
“He has also played for Gaz Metan Medias, Gloria Bistrita, Tom Tomsk and ASA Targu Mures.
“The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and everyone who knew Gabriel Muresan.”
His former side Cluj, with whom he enjoyed the most successful spell of his footballing career, say they are already mourning the loss of the man they affectionately knew as Gabi.
In a heartfelt post on their official website, they wrote: “We will miss you, Gabi! We miss you already and we still don’t realize that you are no longer with us!
“Thank you for everything you have done for our club and for each and every CFRist!
“May God rest him in peace! Sincere condolences to the grieving family and to all who knew and loved him!”
