This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
On June 28, 2020, the football world mourned the loss of Ilija Petkovic, a 74-year-old Serbian coach who had a storied career in the sport.
According to reports, Petkovic was hospitalized for fever and duodenum ulcer and later found to have contracted COVID-19 in the hospital.
His former club, Shanghai Shenhua, confirmed his passing on Sunday, expressing their condolences through social media.
"We will cherish those amazing things you brought to us. RIP," the club wrote, paying tribute to Petkovic's contributions to the team.
During his time with Shanghai Shenhua in 2001, Petkovic coached the team to second place in China's top league, a notable achievement in his illustrious career.
Before his stint with Shanghai Shenhua, Petkovic coached Serbia and Montenegro at the 2006 World Cup finals, where his side failed to qualify for the knockout stage.
