Memorial held for Dzevad Prekazi: Fans particularly loved him for his goals from more than 20 meters out

Partizan Football Club paid tribute to its former player Dzevad Prekazi at a memorial ceremony held in the foyer of the stadium’s central VIP box, which proved too small to accommodate everyone who came to honor his life and legacy.

The memorial was attended by numerous sports officials, supporters and former footballers who played alongside Prekazi, while the presence of a delegation from Turkey’s Galatasaray, where Prekazi left a lasting legacy, lent particular significance to the gathering.

Partizan General Director Danko Lazovic addressed those present at the beginning of the ceremony, thanking everyone who had gathered and once again extending his condolences to the family.

Galatasaray Vice President Sedat Artukoglu stressed that Dzevad Prekazi had left a profound mark on the history of two great footballing cultures.

“He was one of the most important heroes of the years when Galatasaray began dreaming big European dreams. We know that this was his wish, which is why we brought the jersey he wore while playing for our club,” Artukoglu said.

Following the Galatasaray Vice President, Turkish Ambassador to Serbia Ilhan Saygili also addressed the gathering, offering his condolences and recalling his numerous encounters with Prekazi.

Prekazi’s former teammate Aco Trifunovic spoke about some of his greatest achievements in football, saying that Partizan supporters had particularly loved him for his goals scored from more than 20 meters out.

“We spent almost seven years together on the football pitch. We shared a dressing room, celebrated victories together, went through defeats and won titles. We remember Ljubljana in 1976, when we won the title for Partizan after an 11-year wait. The fans particularly loved him for his goals from more than 20 meters out, such as the one against our eternal rival just a year later. There were both wonderful and difficult moments, but we were part of the same team,” Trifunovic said.

At the end of the ceremony, Prekazi’s longtime friend Dejan Smiljanic also paid tribute to “Preki,” after which a video featuring legendary moments from Dzevad Prekazi’s life and career was shown.

The former Partizan player and legend of Yugoslav football died on November 8 at the age of 69.

Dzevad Prekazi will be laid to rest tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Central Cemetery in Belgrade.