Football Legend Passes Away

TIRANA, Jan. 20 – Albania will be in a national mourning day during the funeral of football player Panajot Pano, who passed away at the age of 71 in a Florida, U.S. hospital on Tuesday.
The cabinet held a minute of silence at its meeting Wednesday before Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced the mourning day, which will be set upon the return of Pano’s body to his homeland.
Pano will be buried with all state honors.
“The rare sportsman, the idol of the Albanian football, who, with his maginificnet play and especially with his scores will remain in the history of the albanian football and in the memory of the fans, will continue to be admired from those who knew him personally and played alongside, and also will continue to be remembered as a living legend of the Albanian sport,” wrote President Bamir Topi.
Pano started his career as a goalkeeper in the Tirana youth academy but he became the most prolific striker of its arched-rival, Partizani.
During his 18-year career he has played 24 matches with the Albanian national football team and was awarded in 2003 the Albanian UEFA Jubilee Award.
In March, Pano also received the order ‘Honor of the Nation’ from President Bamir Topi, Albania’s highest official recognition.