One of the best strikers in MLS history is entering the Ring of Fire.
The Chicago Fire announced on Wednesday that former forward Ante Razov will be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame, known as the Ring of Fire. Razov's ceremony will take place before the Fire's game against the New England Revolution at Toyota Park on Oct. 3.
Razov will be the eighth person selected to join the Ring of Fire, joining Peter Nowak, Lubos Kubik, Frank Klopas, Peter Wilt, Bob Bradley, Chris Armas and C.J. Brown. The club, along with the current Ring of Fire members, select each honoree.
"We are excited to induct Ante Razov into the Ring of Fire, the Club's highest honor," said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman in a team statement. "Ante was not only an incredible striker for the Fire, but was one of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS history. His passion and dedication helped instill a hard-working mentality in this Club since 1998 and we are pleased to honor his contributions with an induction into the Ring of Fire."
Razov is Chicago's all-time leading scorer with 76 goals, and currently sits fourth all-time in MLS with 114 career goals. Among the players who joined Chicago for their inaugural season in 1998, he helped the Fire to a double of MLS Cup and the US Open Cup in their first season, and further won the Supporters' Shield in 2003 and two more US Open Cups with the club, in 2000 and 2003.
"I am truly honored to be selected as one of the few men in the Ring of Fire," said Razov in a team statement. "To be among the greats of the Fire is the most gratifying feeling. We had a very special group of people during my time and this feeling has never escaped me. This recognition brings back the best memories of my playing career."
- Check out more Fire news on Chicago-Fire.com
"Ante Razov was our version of Robin Van Persie," said Bradley, now coaching Norwegian club Stabaek. "He was a very special left-footed goal scorer who wore the red proudly. Ante's passion for the game and for the Fire stood out every time he stepped on the field."
In a 15-year MLS career, Razov also played for the LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, MetroStars, and Chivas USA, and also spent a short stint with Spanish side Racing Ferrol. The former US international currently works as an assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders.
