The legend of Azerbaijani football, former goalkeeper of the "Neftchi" club Chingiz Ismayilov has passed away.

Offsideplus.az reports that the veteran football player closed his eyes forever today on the eve of his 90th anniversary.

C.Ismayilov, who was reportedly suffering from pneumonia, was hospitalized on March 18.

Chingiz Ismayilov has been devoted to football all his life. He played for the "Neftchi" club in 1955-1962, and in various years for the "Dinamo" teams of Baku and Ganja, as well as "Neft Dashlari".

After completing his professional football career, he worked as the Secretary General of AFFA during the presidency of Fuad Musayev, the head of "Neftchi". He gained national love while working as a football commentator on television. With his unique voice and high football knowledge, C.Ismayilov left a deep mark in the memory of the audience and fans.

He was awarded the "Teraqqi" medal in 2022.

If he had lived, he would have celebrated his 90th birthday on April 12 this year.

May him rest in peace!