Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan has died at the age of 44 after drowning in a lake near the town where he served as mayor, local media reported on Thursday.
The Romanian Football Federation confirmed the death of the midfielder, who played nine times for the national team, including in qualifying games for the World Cup and European Championship from 2007-11. His international caps included matches against football heavyweights France and Brazil.
The federation stated: "The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan."
Mr Muresan was "a devoted servant of our community”, the public authority in Apold said on Facebook. He had been mayor there since 2020.
His most successful period was with Cluj, where he won Romanian league titles in 2008, 2010 and 2012. Cluj also won three domestic cups during his six seasons at the club between 2007 and 2013.
In the Champions League, Muresan played in three group-stage campaigns, including matches against Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma.
He spent his entire career in his homeland, playing for Dealul Mare Sighișoara, Gloria Bistrita, Mobila Sovata, Gaz Metan Medias, Cluj, Tom Tomsk and ASA Targu Mures.
He called time on his playing career in 2017 before going on to move into politics.
Uefa also paid tribute to Muresan on social media on Thursday morning.
The statement read: “On behalf of the European football community, we are saddened by the passing of former Romania international Gabriel Muresan at the age of 44.
“Muresan earned nine caps for his country and captained CFR Cluj, winning three league titles during a successful six-year spell with the club. He also featured in the Uefa Champions League.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.”
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