SERBIAN football has been plunged into mourning after ex-international goalkeeper Radisa Ilic was found dead outside his apartment.
Ilic, 47, won five league titles and two cups during two spells with Partizan Belgrade.
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Capped once, he also played for Partizan’s city rivals OFK Beograd plus clubs in Romania and Greece.
Ilic had worked as goalkeeping coach at Partizan and other Serbian’s sides since hanging up his boots in 2013.
But he was pronounced dead on Thursday after falling from his apartment window, according to Belgrade media.
Partizan paid tribute to Ilic in a heartfelt message on their website.
The club wrote: “FK Partizan is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Radisa Ilic who died today at the age of 47.
“During his career, Ilic spent two playing spells at Partizan – first one in a period between 1998 and 2003 followed by a 2010-2013 spell.
“When he returned to the club in 2010, he made a great contribution to help Partizan reach Champions League group stage.
“He was pivotal in CL qualifiers and took part in unforgettable penalty shoot-out series against Anderlecht, when Belgian team players missed three penalties, allowing Partizan to progress to the competition`s group stage.
“This heroic performance made him a fans’ favourite and earned him a chant ‘You’re our No.1 keeper, Radisa!’.”
Ilic was born in Bajina Basta, making his early football step locally before moving to nearby Uzice to play for Sloboda where he spent four years.
Partizan took the note of his great performances and signed him in 1998.
He spent five seasons with the club before moving to National Bucuresti.
Ilic was soon back in Serbian football, signing for Borac Cacak followed by a spell at OFK Beograd.
He briefly played for Greek side Panserraikos, only to return to Borac followed by his second Partizan spell after which he retired.
Partizan added: “Radisa Ilic will remain part of our history forever.
“His dedication and legendary moments in the black-and-white shirt will never be forgotten.
“Ilic left an indelible mark at our club and his name will forever be proudly mentioned among Partizan aficionados.
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