Former Romanian international Gabriel Muresan has died at the age of 44 after being pulled from a lake in the Transylvanian town of Apold. The ex-Champions League regular, who earned nine caps for his country, was reportedly swimming in the lake when firefighters rescued him and rushed him to hospital. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved.
Career and Community Service
Muresan was a central figure at CFR 1907 Cluj, playing for the club between 2007 and 2013. During that period, he made 135 appearances, winning the Romanian Cup three times (2008, 2009, 2010) and the league championship three times (2008, 2010, 2012). He also played for Gaz Metan Mediaș, Gloria Bistrița, Tom Tomsk, and ASA Târgu Mureș. Muresan represented Romania in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.
In 2020, he became mayor of Apold and was re-elected two years ago. Apold's town hall released a statement: '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.'
Football Federation Tribute
The Romanian Football Federation also expressed its sorrow. 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.'
During his career, Muresan faced some of Europe's top clubs and players, including Karim Benzema. His sudden death has shocked the football community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates and fans.
