France mourns death of their history-making ex-manager
Michel Hidalgo, who led France to their first major title at Euro 1984, has died at the age of 87, the French Football Federation has announced.
Hidalgo managed France between 1976 and 1984 and also served as technical director of the national team from 1982 to 1986.
“Today we learn with immense sadness and deep emotion of the death of Michel Hidalgo,” FFF president Noel Le Graet said on the official Federation website.
“The Federation, our football is in mourning. Michel Hidalgo is one of the biggest names in French football.
“He made history in international football with the first major title won by our French team. Through his philosophy of play, his personality, his exemplary passion, he contributed to the influence of our sport on the international level and to its popularity in France.
“He was able to provide us with emotions that are etched and will remain etched. He will remain in our memories as a symbol, a coach, a benchmark coach, lover of beautiful play, close to the players.
“He was a man of great and beautiful humanity. On behalf of the French Football Federation and all of French football I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Hidalgo, who was born in Normandy in 1933, played for Le Havre, Reims and Monaco in a distinguished 14-year playing career between 1952 and 1966.
The midfielder scored in Reims’ European Cup final defeat by Real Madrid in 1956 and won three Ligue 1 titles, at Reims in 1955 and with Monaco in 1961 and 1963.
Hidalgo also won the Coupe de France twice at Monaco, in 1960 and 1963, and won one international cap in1962.
As a manager, Hidalgo led France at two World Cups in Argentina in 1978 and in Spain in 1982.
In 1984 he became a national hero as his exciting side featuring the famous midfield of Michel Platini, Alain Giresse and Jean Tigana became European champions, and he was named European manager of the year.
Hidalgo spent five years as Marseille director of football before ending his career in 1991.