The legend of Russian football Nikita Pavlovich Simonyan was a close friend of Lev Yashin, more than once played against the Dynamo goalkeeper for Spartak, and was also with him in the USSR national team that won the 1956 Olympic Games.
"Lev Ivanovich was the very person who created a positive atmosphere in any team. We are grateful to him. He was popular throughout the world, and he carried that banner of popularity with dignity. It's hard to recall a more humble man or a more great goalkeeper. Not only we, but also foreign coaches and football players, and star players, deeply respected Lev Ivanovich. As long as I live, Lev Ivanovich's sacred name will be in my soul," he said.
Rest in peace, Nikita Pavlovich. Blessed memory.