Former Romanian international Gabriel Muresan has passed away at the age of 44 after the Champions League regular was tragically pulled from a lake
The football world is mourning the passing of ex-Romanian international Gabriel Muresan after he sadly died after being pulled from a lake.
Muresan, who during his career played against some of the biggest football clubs in the world in the Champions League, was reportedly swimming in a lake in the Transylvanian town of Apold.
The 44-year-old, who was capped nine times for his country, became mayor of the town in 2020 and won re-election just two years ago.
Muresan was reportedly pulled from the water by firefighters and rushed to hospital. Sadly despite the best efforts by medics, nothing could be done to save his life.
In a statement regarding 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 issued a statement saying it was with "great sadness" that they must confirm his passing.
They wrote: "The Romanian Football Federation learned with great sadness of the death of Gabriel Mureșan, at the age of 44, former Romanian international and double national champion with CFR Cluj.
"Born on February 13, 1982 in Sighișoara, Mureșan has played 9 matches for the national team. At CFR Cluj, he played for 6 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 Mediaș, Gloria Bistrița, Tom Tomsk and ASA Târgu Mureș.
"The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and everyone who knew Gabriel Mureșan."
His former club Cluj, who he had his most successful period in football with, said they already miss the man they call Gabi.
They wrote on their website: "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!"