TEHRANTIMES - Legendary goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi’s fans gathered in Tehran's Behesht-e Zahra cemetery on Friday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of his death.

Iran’s sports personalities including former Iran striker Ali Daei, former Esteghlal coach Parviz Mazloomi, Naft Tehran coach Alireza Mansourian, former president of Iran Wrestling Federation Mohammad Reza Taleghani and Esteghlal assistant coach Javad Zarincheh attended the anniversary ceremony.

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. Hejazi 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.

The Iranian giant finished runner-up in the AFC Champions League in 1999 under tutelage of Hejazi.

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.