BUCHAREST: Lucian Balan, a member of the Steaua Bucharest team who made history by winning the European Champions Cup in 1986, has been found dead at home, aged 56.

A statement from Steaua said: “Our legendary Lucian Balan has left this world . . . He decided to end his days within a month after he lost his mother.”

The Romanian international who also shared in Steaua’s subsequent European Supercup victory and progress to the Champions Cup final again two years later, had previously tried to commit suicide in 2004 and 2010. He was found in his home in the northern town of Baia Mare.

Balan was born on June 25, 1959, in Baia Mare and played for FC Baia Mare before joining Steaua in 1985. In 1989 he transferred to Beerschot of Belgium and also played briefly in Spain with Murcia before returning to Steaua in 1990. He made one appearance for the Romanian national team.

After retiring he had a brief career as a coach.

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