Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan paid tribute to Mircea Lucescu, the Romanian football manager who passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday.

Lucescu was the manager of Shakhtar Donetsk when the former Armenian international played there.

“Mister, you were one of my very first coaches – the one who gave me the opportunity to grow and begin my international career. I will forever be thankful to you for giving me the chance to live what I had dreamed about since I was a boy. Thank you for your guidance, your trust, and for helping shape the player and the person I am today. Football has lost a true gentleman and a true visionary of the game. Rest in peace, Mister. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. My heart is crying,” Mkhitaryan said on social media, posting a photo with Lucescu holding his number 22 Shakhtar Donetsk jersey.