site.btaOutstanding Bulgarian Footballer Trifon Ivanov Dies

Outstanding Bulgarian Footballer Trifon Ivanov Dies

Sofia, February 14 (BTA) - Well-known Bulgarian football player Trifon Ivanov died of a heart attack at the age of 50 on Saturday.

President Rosen Plevneliev offered condolences to Ivanov's family, the President's Press Secretariat said. "One of the best and bravest backs in the history of the national football passed away. Trifon Ivanov made us happy and proud to be Bulgarians," reads the cable.

Another outstanding Bulgarian footballer, Hristo Stoichkov, wrote in the social networks: "Dear friend, you left a mark in the word football. You will remain into the hearts of many people! May you rest in peace!"

In the recent years Ivanov served as Chairman of the Regional Council of the Bulgarian Football Union in Veliko Turnovo. Ivanov was a part of the team, which ranked 4th at the World Cup in USA in 1994. He was named Bulgaria's Best Football Player in 1996. He was three-time champion of Bulgaria as player for CSKA and a champion of Austria in 1996 as player for Rapid (Vienna).