Iranian legend Shirzadegan dead

AFC - Thousands of football fans paid their last respects to football legend Hamid Shirzadegan at the Shiroodi Stadium on Sunday.

The Persepolis striker died on Friday at the age of 66. He was suffering from cancer.

“He was one of the great Iranian football icons and he will be missed," said head of physical education sport organization Ali Abadi in his funeral.

Shirzadegan, popular as the 'golden foot' among fans because of his uncanny ability to score goals in the penalty area from deadball situations, was one of the leading Team Melli players in the 1960s.

Shirzadegan was also the first Iranian to play overseas after signing a contract with the Baltimore Kickers in the sixties.