TEHRANTIMES - Iran’s legendary goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi’s fans gathered in Tehran's Behesht-e Zahra cemetery on Thursday to commemorate the 1st anniversary of his death.

Hejazi died on May 23, 2011 at the age of 62 after a long battle with lung cancer.

He played for Iran as a goalkeeper in late 1960s and 1970s. He won the AFC Asian Cup twice for Iran and also played for the Persians in the 1976 Olympic Games and the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

In 2000, the Asian Football Confederation ranked him the second best Asian goalkeeper of the 20th century behind former Saudi Arabia keeper Mohamed Al-Deayea.

In his coaching career, he led Esteghlal from 1996 to 1999 and later in 2007 won the Azadegan League and Hazfi Cup titles. In addition, the club finished runner-up in the AFC Champions League in 1999.

Hejazi earned 62 caps for Iran from 1968 to 1980. He received an offer from Manchester United after the 1978 FIFA World Cup, and trained with them for a month, appearing in a reserve match against Stoke City.