Romanian football is in mourning following the death of legendary Helmuth Duckadam, winner of the Champions League in 1986 with Steaua Bucharest. He was a close friend of Mircea Rednic, the former coach of Standard.
Helmuth Duckadam was nicknamed “the hero of Seville” for the four saves made during the penalty shootout in the Champions League final in 1986 against FC Barcelona. The legendary Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper died this weekend at the age of 65.
Duckadam had suffered serious health problems at the time, and had to end his career shortly after this won final. The former goalkeeper, who became a consultant for the Romanian media, died of a heart attack shortly after being admitted to hospital for an operation, reports Gazeta Sporturilor.
After the victory of his team, UTA Arad, Mircea Rednic, Duckadam’s teammate in the national team and close friend of the former goalkeeper, could not contain his emotion. “He was a superb person in addition to being a superb goalkeeper. We are all very touched, I have difficulty finding the words,” Rednic told First Sport.
“Our victory is overshadowed by this event. Last week, as he is from Arad, I told him: ‘You never come to see us’. He told me he was going to come… But the here we go,” continues Mircea Rednic, in tears.
Helmut Duckadam played 105 matches during his career for Steaua Bucharest, before having to stop abruptly following a trombosis. Due to this incident, he was only able to wear the Romania jersey twice.
