Tehran: Legendary former Iranian goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi, who was known as the ‘Eagle of Asia’ for his ball-poaching skills, passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.
Hejazi was suffering from lung cancer and died in Kasra Hospital.
Hejazi appeared as a goalkeeper in the 1972 Olympics in Munich and in 1976 in Montreal. He also was a member of Iran's World Cup team in 1978 in Argentina. Among his many accolades was the AFC Asian Cup, which he won as part of Team Melli in 1972 and 1976. He retired from international competition in 1980, but continued with Iranian teams until 1986, notably as coach of Esteghlal.
He was the coach of Esteghlal (then known as Taj) from 1996-99 and was at the helm when the Tehran side finished as runners-up to Jubilo Iwata in 1999 in the Asian Club Championship.
He also coached several Iranian clubs and made a name for himself as a master tactician. Outside Iran, Hejazi coached Mohammedan Bangladesh and won several titles with them during his 1987-88 stint with the Dhaka giants.
Hejazi’s body will be kept in state at the Azadi Stadium on Wednesday morning to allow the fans to pay their last respects.
AFC conveys its deep condolences to Hejazi’s family, relatives and friends and also the Iran Football Federation.